Alaska is the northernmost and westernmost U.S. state, separated from the contiguous United States by Canada. It borders the Arctic and Pacific oceans and is known for vast wilderness, glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and long seasonal swings in daylight. Juneau is the capital, while Anchorage is its largest city.
Alaska Native peoples, including Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Unangax̂, and numerous other communities, sustain distinct languages and cultural traditions. Residents live in cities, small towns, and remote villages, many accessible only by air or water. Oil and gas, fishing, tourism, government, and military activity shape the economy. Major landmarks include Denali, North America’s highest peak, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Common civic concerns include the cost of living, affordable housing, healthcare access, reliable transportation, and rural broadband. Residents also debate resource development, fisheries management, education funding, and the state’s oil-related finances. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and wildfire risks make climate resilience another important issue.