Alaska is one of the 50 states in the United States of America and we are not just going to rub it on you about how cool the state is without some interesting facts and things to know.
The state of Alaska is in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. The state is 2nd when placed in an alphabet order on the list of 50 states and capitals in the US. January 3, 1959, was the day Alaska was officially declared as the 49th state to be formally accepted in the country.
Before being formally declared as a US State, Alaska was called Territory of Alaska. The capital of Alaska is Juneau and the largest city is Anchorage. Also, Alaska’s nickname is The Last Frontier.
English is mostly spoken in Alaska with about 86.3% of people conversing in the language, while Alaska Native languages are spoken by about 5.2% of the people, 3.4% for Tagalog, and 2.2% for other languages. The other languages include Tanacross, Tsimshian, Lower Tanana, Upper Kuskokwim, and St. Lawrence Island Yupik.
Alaska is truly a remarkable state in the US and there are lots of interesting things you should know about the state especially if you are visiting for the first time. In that regard, we have you covered.
Land Area and Population
The state of Alaska’s total area is estimated to be 663,268 sq mi. The land area has about 571,951 sq mi which is expected while the water area settles for 91,316 sq mi.
Alaska is the biggest by total area claimed among the 50 states in the United States. The total area of the state is larger than Texas, Montana, and California which are the next three largest after Alaska.
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska is the 2nd biggest city by area in the US. The former capital of Alaska is Sitka which happens to be the largest U.S. city by area.
On the population side, the state of Alaska was estimated to be 736,081. This figure ranks Alaska as the 48th most populous state in the country.
Alaska State Flag
The flag of Alaska was officially declared on May 2, 1927. The flag exhibits a big blue field with eight gold stars, 7 of the gold stars form the shape of the Big Dipper while the biggest one, Polaris, is located at the top right of the field. The color of the Alaska state flag is just 2, dark blue and gold.
The flag was selected among about 700 entries in a contest in 1927. The selected flag, currently still in use, was designed by Benny Benson of Seward. He was given $1000 as a reward and an engraved watch.
To confirm the extent of the design, a survey was conducted recently by the North American Vexillological Association, Alaska’s flag came fifth.
The flag of Alaska may look simple to the eyes but have deep meanings. Benny made it simple for everyone by going all the way to explain what deep messages lie within.
The blue field of the design stands for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, a flower that is available all over the state. The star in the North is the future state of Alaska while the stars that were formed as the Big Dipper is Bear which shows the strength that Alaska possesses.
Most Interesting Cities In Alaska
Below is the list of popular cities you will love in the state. These cities are not only popular but have in stock lots of interesting things you want to check.
1. Anchorage
Anchorage is no doubt an interesting place to be whether you are a visitor planning to have a home there or not. It is the largest city in Alaska and accounts for up to 300,000 people, which is about 37% of the population in the state.
It is also home to various animals, and it will amaze you to know that there is arguably a large number of animals than humans in the place. Among the animals are wolves, foxes, bears, and lynx all living within the state. Bears alone are estimated to be at least 250 while grizzly bears are 60.
The weather should look good for most people. It does not get as cold as most people would have thought. The coldest temperature ever experienced at Anchorage -38°F which is even not up to 0 while the hottest ever recorded was 90°F. And if you are a visitor who is very excited about seeing his or her first snow, then Anchorage provides such.
The hotels are also neat with the most needed services for customers. Among the good ones, we have Knik River Lodge, Westmark Anchorage Hotel, Marriott Anchorage Downtown, The Voyager Inn, and Hilton Anchorage.
2. Fairbanks
Fairbanks is also a great pick if you are considering a nice place you can settle in in Alaska. Aside from being the largest in the interior region of Alaska and the second largest in the state, it is also the coldest.
The total area occupied by Fairbanks is 32.62 sq mi with land and water area taking 31.75 sq mi and 0.88 sq mi respectively.
It remains one of the oldest cities in the US with lots of history pages. Gold is one of the strong areas of the location with thousands of people coming into the place for its precious metal. Pogo Gold Mine and Fort Knox Gold Mine are the two locations where gold is mined.
Oil is another area that the beautiful city is known for. So far, Fairbanks has been recording success in this area and also major supply to some establishments.
The city is also one of the safest in the United States due to Eielson Air Force Base. About 40% of people in the city are made up of military personnel. This is a major win for the city as well as for people who are looking for a nice haven.
And for the attractions, there are a great of choices to make, and among them are Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point, Aurora Ice Museum. The highway is also one, you could take your vehicle and see yourself to the beautiful views on James Dalton Highway.
3. Juneau
Call the state capital, “City and Borough of Juneau”, you are not wrong but it is widely known as Juneau. The city is situated at Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle.
The city’s total area is 3,254.70 sq mi and has a total population of 32,255 which is as big as what people may expect being the state capital.
If you are an animal lover, you will find the place very interesting with 280 species of birds, bears, whales, etc. It is a great place you want to visit especially if you are visiting America for the first time.
For sightseeing or adventure, get a Ride to Tracy Arm Fjord. Alternatively, you should also consider Experience Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, or watch some whales from a distance.
4. Palmer
Our best cities in Alaska would have not have completed without slotting in Palmer. The city is the 9th largest city in Alaska, located 42 miles northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska Valley. The estimated number of people living in the state is 5,888. The total area of Palmer is 5.07 sq mi.
It holds a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. In Palmer, you are never short of attractions. Reindeer Farm remains an absolute delight for anyone visiting for the first time, your kids will love the experience.
And if you are a visitor who needs a place to hang out and enjoy a great variety of foods and drinks, you can have it all there. Noisy Goose Cafe, Turkey Red, Humdinger’s Gourmet Pizza Co., La Fiesta Restaurant, 12. Raven’s Perch Restaurant and Palmer Bar are among the good ones you should try out.
5. Wasilla
Wasilla is another beautiful place you are going to love in Alaska. The city is situated in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States, and the 4th largest city in the state.
Wasilla’s population as of 2020 stands at 9,054, a big raise from the previous census which is enough reason to suggest that more people are moving into the environment. The city’s total area is 13.13 sq mi with the water area getting about 0.73 sq mi.
For people looking for all the fun and excitement the state can offer, you are going to find many. There are nice restaurants that will make you want to forget about ever making your food yourself again.
If you are on visitation, endeavor to visit places like Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry, The Dorothy G. Page Museum, Nancy Lakes Recreation Area, and 6. Knik Museum and Musher’s Hall of Fame, Wasilla, Alaska.
10 Interesting Facts About Alaska
1. There are over 3,000 rivers and 3,000,000 lakes in Alaska. The largest among them is Lake Iliamna which is 1,000 sq mi in size.
2. Alaska has the highest mountain peaks in the United States. It accounts for 17 out of the 20 mountain peaks with “Denali” having the most elevated stature.
3. Alaska is the biggest among the 50 states in the US. Its size alone is double the total area of Texas.
4. It is in Alaska that the largest salmon ever was caught. It is 97.5 lbs in size.
5. For every 21 people in Alaska, there is approximately 1 bear
6. It is wrong and even illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while there is an ongoing hunt for moose.
7. There are over 100 volcanoes in the state of Alaska.
8. The state capital of Alaska, Juneau, has no road access to other cities in the state.
9. Alaska’s flag was designed by a 13-year-old named Benny Benson.
10. The lowest temperature ever recorded in history was -80 degrees at Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska in 1971.
