Did you know that Alaska is part of the United States? Yes, it is! Alaska is one of the states in the US, even though it’s not connected to the rest of the mainland. In fact, it’s actually closer to Canada.
Geographically, Alaska is located in the far northwest corner of North America, making it the coldest part of the US. During winter, temperatures can drop as low as -54°C, with snowfall reaching up to 25 meters deep.
There are still many interesting facts about Alaska you might not know. For example, the US actually bought this land from Russia. And not only that, Alaska is the largest state in the entire country. Pretty fascinating, right? Let’s explore more about what makes Alaska so unique in the article below!
What and Where Is the State of Alaska?
Alaska is a state of the United States, located in the far northwest of the North American continent. If you look at a world map, you’ll find it in the upper left corner of the US.
Alaska isn’t directly connected to any other US state. Instead, it shares borders with British Columbia and the Yukon, both of which are part of Canada.
It’s also quite close to Russia on the western side. At its closest point, Alaska is just 4 kilometers away from Russian territory.
To the north, Alaska faces the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Meanwhile, its southern border meets the Pacific Ocean.
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The Size of Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States, with a total area of 1,717,856 square kilometers. Much of its landscape is covered by the Alaska Range, home to Denali, the highest mountain in North America.
The southern part of Alaska is filled with dense temperate rainforests, while the northern region is mostly tundra or frozen ground covered with moss and small shrubs.
Because of its cold temperatures and snowy environment, Alaska is home to grizzly bears, polar bears, caribou, wolves, Arctic foxes, and eagles. Its surrounding seas are also rich in wildlife like salmon, whales, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
Alaska’s Nicknames
Alaska is famously known as “The Last Frontier” because much of its land remains untouched by humans. The rugged terrain and extreme weather make large parts of the state remote and wild.
It’s also called “The Land of the Midnight Sun” because during summer, the sun never fully sets in certain parts of Alaska.
In the past, Alaska was jokingly referred to as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox.” These names came from public criticism after U.S. Secretary of State William Seward purchased the territory from Russia.
Many Americans at the time believed the deal was foolish. However, Alaska has since proven to be an important part of the United States, contributing in areas like defense, politics, tourism, and natural resources.
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Traveling in Alaska
There are plenty of amazing places in Alaska that international travelers can explore. As we know, Alaska has a unique charm, from its untouched landscapes and traditional way of life to its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. That means there are many things to do!
So, what can tourists do when visiting Alaska? According to the official Visit The USA website, here are some top travel experiences in Alaska:
1. Watch the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
Alaska is one of the world’s most popular places to see the northern lights. In Fairbanks, you can witness the magical aurora borealis lighting up the night sky. The best time to catch it is from late August through April, especially on clear nights.
2. See Glaciers Up Close
Alaska is home to over 100,000 glaciers, and many of them can be seen up close. You can explore these massive sheets of ice by taking a cruise through icy waters or even flying over them in a helicopter.
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3. Observe Arctic Wildlife
Alaska is rich in Arctic wildlife. Head to Kenai Fjords National Park to see whales, sea otters, seals, dolphins, brown bears, mountain goats, and many species of birds in their natural habitat.
4. Hike the Alaska Mountains
There are plenty of guided tours that offer hiking adventures through Alaska’s mountains. Some of the most popular peaks to explore are Denali, Foraker, and Hunter. However, some trails are only open to experienced climbers, so be sure to check the requirements before you go.
Pretty fascinating for such a cold and remote place, isn’t it? Getting to Alaska is actually quite easy. There are plenty of direct domestic flights from various U.S. states to major airports in Alaska, such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Another option is to travel by sea, take a ferry from Bellingham, Washington, for a scenic route.
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