What is the size of Alaska?

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, Russia and Canada, Alaska is considered the least populated U.S. state. Based on history books, it was purchased by the United States from the Russian Empire sometime in March 1867. It goes by the nickname Land of the Midnight Sun. The largest city in the state is Anchorage, while its capital is Juneau. In terms of population, it ranks 47th in the United States, with a population of 686,293 as of 2008.

The Size of Alaska

What is the size of Alaska? As the largest state in the U.S., the total area covered by Alaska is 1,717,854 square kilometers or 663,268 square miles. In terms of width, it measures 3,639 kilometers or 2,261 miles. It has a length of 2,285 kilometers or 1,420 miles. The highest point of the state is Mount McKinley, with a height of 6,193.7 meters or 20,320 feet. Its size is larger than the size of the next three biggest states combined, which are Montana, California and Texas. Furthermore, its size is also bigger than the combined size of the 22 smallest states in the country.

Additional Facts and Other Important Details

The median income of Alaska ranks fourth among the different states in the U.S., which is valued at $64,333. In terms of geography, the state is subdivided further into different regions. The first one is South Central Alaska, which contains most of the population of the state. This area includes progressive towns such as Wasilla, Palmer and Eagle River. Furthermore, it also includes Anchorage. Its economy thrives on tourism, transportation and petroleum industrial plants.

Also referred to as Southeast Alaska, the Alaska Panhandle houses the larger towns in the state. It is made up of extensive forests, various channels and numerous islands. Its economy is anchored on forestry, fishing as well as tourism. Bordered by Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Southwest Alaska is sparsely populated. One of the possible reasons for this is the unconnected road system. The fishing industry plays a major role on its economy.

Characterized by shorelines, arctic tundra lands and large braided rivers, the Alaska Interior is another highly important region. People can find here the highest peak in North America, which is Mount McKinley. Meanwhile, the Alaskan Bush is the less crowded and remote region in the state. It is made up of small towns like Barrow, Kotzebue and Nome. In addition, it also covers a total 380 native villages. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge can be found at the northeast corner of the state.