Alaska, US

Alaska: one of fifty states that make up the United States of America.

Alaska became the 49th state admitted to the Union on January 3, 1959. It is the largest and most sparsely populated state, known for its rugged natural beauty.

Geography and Climate

Alaska covers 663,268 square miles of varied terrain including glaciers, mountains, tundras, and forests. It shares an eastern border with Canada and is surrounded by waters such as the Bering Sea, Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

The climate is mostly subarctic with long cold winters and short mild summers. Significant precipitation in the southeast creates the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S.

Economy and Industry

Key industries include oil and gas production, fishing, timber and mining. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline transports crude oil. Commercial fishing of salmon, cod and crab is important. Major companies headquartered in Alaska include Donlin Gold and ConocoPhillips Alaska.

Tourism also thrives in summer with attractions like Denali National Park, Glacier Bay and cruises to spot natural wildlife like polar bears.

Culture and Demographics

Alaska has about 730,000 residents. The largest ethnic group is white at 63%, followed by Alaska Natives and American Indians at 15%. It has a vibrant Native culture with influences from Alaskan Natives, Russians and Americans.

Government and Politics

The state capital and largest city is Juneau located in the Inside Passage region. The current governor is Mike Dunleavy, Republican. Alaska is a solidly Republican state in presidential elections.

Conclusion

In summary, Alaska is the largest and northernmost U.S. state filled with natural wonders. It has an independent pioneering spirit along with Native Alaskan and Russian influences. Abundant wilderness, natural resources and scenic beauty continue to draw adventurous residents and travelers.

Alaska locator map
Location of Alaska

State Snapshot

Alaska at a glance

Alaska currently has 38 quality-checked populated place pages and 24 county pages linked on MapSof.

Browse state cities

Mapped cities & towns

38

These counts use a stricter populated-place filter so the main lists stay focused on real city and town pages.

Quick Facts about Alaska

Population 731,545
Country United States of America
Different from Alaska, Alaska
Area 1717856 km2
Water as percent of area 14.24%
Land as percent of area 85.76%
Easternmost point Point(179.770555555 51.958888888), Point(-129.974194444 55.281944444)
Northernmost point Point(-156.4746 71.387)
Latitude & Longitude 64.0003,-150.0003
Legislative body Alaska Legislature
Official language English, Gwich’in, Hän, Dena'ina, Upper Kuskokwim, Koyukon, Tanacross, Alutiiq, Ahtna, Aleut, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Inupiat, Yupik languages, Haida, Eyak, Deg Xinag, Tanana languages, Holikachuk
Altitude 1,903 feet / 580 meters
Capital Juneau
Establishment January 03, 1959 (67 years ago)
Time Zone Hawaii–Aleutian Time Zone, America/Anchorage, UTC−09:00, UTC+14:00
Local time 02:21:14 (17th September 2026)
Weather 38℉ Scattered Rain Showers 7-days weather
Anchorage from Earthquake Park image
Anchorage from Earthquake Park image

Geography

Alaska is located at 64°0'1"N 150°0'1"W (64.0002800, -150.0002800). It has 3 neighbors: Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, British Columbia and Yukon.

Alaska map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

The largest city of Alaska is Fairbanks with a population of 30,696. Other cities include, Eagle River population 24,793, Wasilla population 11,099, Ketchikan population 8,187 and Kenai population 7,890. See all Alaska cities & populated places.

Largest Cities in Alaska (more)

Cities, Towns, Villages, Neighborhoods & Other Populated Places in Alaska.

City Name County Population
Fairbanks Fairbanks North Star Borough 30,696
Eagle River Anchorage Municipality 24,793
Badger Fairbanks North Star Borough 19,482
Wasilla Matanuska-Susitna Borough 11,099
Tanaina Matanuska-Susitna Borough 8,197
Ketchikan Ketchikan Gateway Borough 8,187
Kenai Kenai Peninsula Borough 7,890
Kalifornsky Kenai Peninsula Borough 7,850
Palmer Matanuska-Susitna Borough 7,766
Meadow Lakes Matanuska-Susitna Borough 7,570
Bethel Bethel Census Area 6,658
Homer Kenai Peninsula Borough 6,034
Kodiak Kodiak Island Borough 5,808
Soldotna Kenai Peninsula Borough 4,790
Nikiski Kenai Peninsula Borough 4,493
Unalaska Aleutians West Census Area 4,473

Show more Alaska cities and populated places

Weather

38°F
Scattered Rain Showers
5 to 15 mph SW Wednesday Night

Scattered rain showers before 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 38.

7-Day Forecast

Official website of Alaska

Official Website
  • Lake and Peninsula Borough
  • Anchorage Municipality
  • Haines Borough
  • Wrangell
  • Ketchikan Gateway Borough
  • Fairbanks North Star Borough
  • Sitka
  • Matanuska-Susitna Borough
  • Juneau
  • Bristol Bay Borough
  • North Slope Borough
  • Kenai Peninsula Borough
  • Yakutat
  • Petersburg
  • Denali Borough
  • Aleutians East Borough
  • Skagway
  • Unorganized Borough
  • Northwest Arctic Borough
  • Kodiak Island Borough

Demographics

Year Population % Change Method
1960 226,167 - census
1970 300,382 32.81% census
1980 401,851 33.78% census
1990 550,043 36.88% census
2000 626,932 13.98% census
2010 710,231 13.29% census
2011 722,128 1.68% estimation process
2012 730,443 1.15% estimation process
2013 737,068 0.91% estimation process
2014 736,283 -0.11% estimation process
2015 737,498 0.17% estimation process
2016 741,456 0.54% estimation process
2017 739,700 -0.24% estimation process
2018 735,139 -0.62% estimation process
2019 731,545 -0.49% estimation process
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People born in Alaska (59)

People born in Alaska, including film director Mark A.Z. Dippé, fictional character in Star Trek William Riker, strength athlete Jesse Marunde, .

More notable people

  • Hope Summers (character from Marvel Comics)
  • Reuben Langdon (American stunt man and voice actor) he was born in 19/07/1975
  • Andrew Lynch (American singer-songwriter) he was born in 01/01/1953
  • Barrett Willoughby (American writer) she was born in 01/01/1886
  • Christine Hume (American writer) she was born in 01/01/1968
  • Das Williams (Member of California State Assembly) he was born in 29/06/1974
  • David Salmon (American politician) he was born in 01/01/1912
  • Jennifer Jolly (Journalist and Broadcaster) she was born in 22/02/1971
  • Kirsten Gum (Sportscaster, reality show host, raw chef) she was born in 08/12/1972
  • Lenne Hardt (American actress)
  • Rebecca Rotzler (American politician) she was born in 19/03/1962
  • Richard A. Scott (comics artist) he was born in 19/02/1964
  • Sue Henry (writer) she was born in 19/01/1940
  • Sonihat he was born in 01/01/1855
  • Ed Iten (musher) he was born in 01/01/1953
  • Robert T. Fletcher III he was born in 27/11/1963
  • Sinrock Mary (Reindeer herder) she was born in 01/01/1870
  • Takashi Ohno (American politician)

Alaska Counties (more)

Anchorage Municipality

Anchorage Municipality

city in Alaska, United States.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough

borough in Alaska, United States.

Fairbanks North Star Borough

Fairbanks North Star Borough

borough in Alaska, United States.

County Name Population
Anchorage Municipality 287,095
Matanuska-Susitna Borough 110,213
Fairbanks North Star Borough 95,651
Kenai Peninsula Borough 59,414
Juneau City and Borough 31,849
Bethel Census Area 18,437
Ketchikan Gateway Borough 13,747
Kodiak Island Borough 12,992
Nome Census Area 9,909
North Slope Borough 9,294
Valdez-Cordova Census Area 9,202
Sitka City and Borough 8,405
Northwest Arctic Borough 7,644
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area 6,957
Aleutians West Census Area 5,680
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area 5,077

Show more Alaska counties

Map & Images (more maps)

Alaska Regions Map

Alaska Regions Map

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Alaska Area Compared To Conterminous Us

Alaska Area Compared To Conterminous Us

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Alaska Map

Alaska Map

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Alaska Flag Map

Alaska Flag Map

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Attu Alaska Relief Map

Attu Alaska Relief Map

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Historical Map Alaska

Historical Map Alaska

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Historical Map Southern Alaska

Historical Map Southern Alaska

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Where Is Alaska Located

Where Is Alaska Located

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Alaska Counties And Cities

Alaska Counties And Cities

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Alaska County Map

Alaska County Map

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Alaska Reference Map

Alaska Reference Map

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Alaska Rivers And Lakes

Alaska Rivers And Lakes

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Alaska Location Map

Alaska Location Map

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Alaska Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Alaska Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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