Alaska.

Alaska is the largest US state by area, twice the size of usa-state/texas/" data-it-autolink="1">Texas, with Mount Denali (Mount McKinley) — North America's highest peak at 6,190 m — and Arctic tundra populated mostly by indigenous Alaska Natives.

Geography & climate

Alaska lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 64°N, 150°W and falling within a sub-arctic climate band. The state covers around 1,717,854 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Alaska all flow from this geographic profile.

Capital, principal city & population

The capital of Alaska is Juneau, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Anchorage, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 730K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.

Statehood & history

Alaska was admitted to the Union in 1959 as the 49th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.

Symbols & emblems

Alaska is nicknamed “The Last Frontier”, with the state motto North to the Future. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

Economy & industry

The economy of Alaska is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Alaska.

Travel, food & culture

For visitors, Alaska offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Alaska can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.

By the numbers

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Did you know?

Alaska has more coastline (10,690 km) than the rest of the US states combined, and contains 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States.