Cities in Alaska: The Untamed Wilderness
Located in the northwestern corner of the United States, Alaska stands as a land of awe-inspiring wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and unparalleled natural beauty. Known as "The Last Frontier," the cities in Alaska captivate the imagination with their vast expanses, towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and abundant wildlife. It is a place where untamed wilderness coexists with vibrant communities, offering a unique and unparalleled experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the rugged coastline of the Inside Passage to the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range, the state is a haven for outdoor exploration and awe-inspiring sights. Whether witnessing the breathtaking phenomenon of the Northern Lights, embarking on a wildlife safari, or immersing yourself in the rich Native Alaskan cultures, Alaska beams with its untamed spirit and promises a journey that will leave an ever-lasting mark on the soul. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure into the untamed wonderland that is Alaska.
Alaska Quick Facts
With a nickname like "The Last Frontier", Alaska certainly lives up to the hype with its massive stretches of untamed wilderness. There are 381 cities and towns in Alaska, with the largest city being Anchorage, which has a population of 292,090. In 1906 Juneau was named the capital of Alaska when the government transferred from Sitka. On January 3rd, 1959, statehood was awarded to Alaska and it became the 49th state to join the Union. Alaska is also home to more than 100,000 glaciers that attract thousands of cruise ships and visitors from around the world each year. More than 75% of the highest peaks in the United States are located in Alaska. Alaska is the largest state by land size and also has the lowest population density. The official state fish is the Alaska King Salmon. Alaska is the largest state by land area with 665,384 square miles and is 14.24% water. The state is also the 3rd smallest state, with just 733,583 people. Famous people born in Alaska includes Jewel, Joshua Morrow and Curt Schilling.
The History of Alaska
The history of Alaska goes back thousands of years, beginning with indigenous peoples and continuing through colonization, the rule of Russia and eventually statehood. Alaska was discovered by Russian explorer Vitus Bering back in 1741. In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for only $7.2 million. Some doubted the value of the deal, but soon after, the discovery of gold, oil and other natural resources quickly shifted that perception. Fast forward to 1977 and the creation of the Trans-Atlantic Pipeline, which has now revolutionized the state's economy.
The Beautiful Geography of Alaska
The geography of Alaska is marked by its vast size, beautiful landscapes, and expansive wilderness. With a land mass more than twice the size of Texas (the second largest state), Alaska is the largest of all states, covering 665,384 square miles. Alaska is also made up of 14.24% water, which is the 11th most of all states. Alaska is bordered by Yukon and British Columbia and shares maritime borders with Russia to the west. Alaska's coastline is massive and spans more than 6,600 miles across islands, fjords and bays. Alaska is also well-known for its mountain ranges including Denali, which is North America's highest peak at 6,190 meters, which is actually higher than Mount Kilimanjaro.
A Relocation Guide to Alaska
It takes a certain kind of person to live in Alaska, but any visitor immediately realizes the beauty of this unspoiled wilderness. Many people choose to retire in Alaska because of the freedom and adventure that cities in Alaska offer. The state is known for having some of the friendliest residents of any state in the Union, as well as some of the most amazing attractions such as Denali Park and the Kenai Fjords. When you look at a map of Alaska, you see just how north the state is, as well as how close it is to Russia. Around half of Alaskans work and live in Anchorage, although Juneau, Fairbanks and Kodiak are other major cities.
It may not surprise you to hear that Alaska has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The lowest ever recorded temperature in the state was -80F. It is probably these harsh winters that have caused higher crime rates in many cities in Alaska. Many Alaskans have problems with alcohol abuse, and as a result, there are higher levels of domestic abuse and other violent crimes than in other states. Also, it is not cheap to live in Alaska. But although cost of living in Alaska is higher, wages generally are also higher in Alaska. Alaskans have the sixth highest per capita income in the United States.