ALASKA
Calling Code: +1
When Alaska became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959, its 591,004 square miles increased the nation's size by almost
20 percent. Located at the extreme northwest of the North American continent, Alaska is the largest peninsula in the Western Hemisphere,
bordered by Canada's Yukon Territory and the province of
British Columbia.
Running across southern Alaska is an active earthquake belt, crowned by Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, in the
Alaska Range north of Anchorage. Because of its cold climate and extremely rugged terrain, much
of Alaska is still relatively unspoiled. More than half its population is concentrated in the greater Anchorage area.
Alaska is rich in oil, supplying 25 percent of the nation's oil and gas through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Other major industries
include commercial fishing, which is Alaska's steadiest source of revenue, food processing (especially freezing & canning fish),
fur-trapping (especially Pribilof sealskins), lumber, mining (gold, copper, zinc and silver) and tourism.
The tourist industry had an upsurge after the completion of the great Alaska Marine Highway, with its 500-passenger, 100-car ferries
serving Kodiak, Seward, Valdez, Cordova and the panhandle. Major Alaskan airports are in Anchorage, Juneau,
Ketchikan or Fairbanks.
Within Alaska, domestic airlines and charter flights are a popular way to get around. There are also inexpensive buses between the
larger towns and cities, and the Alaska Railroad, although more expensive, allows passengers a view of the state's breathtaking scenery.
For areas where the roads are difficult, the Marine Highway is a popular option.
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about Alaska:
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