Alaska

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Alaska - The Last Frontier

Welcome to Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is a land of stunning natural beauty and vast wilderness. Located in the far northwest of North America, it borders Canada to the east and is surrounded by the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska offers towering mountains, icy glaciers, and a wide variety of wildlife including moose, bears, and bald eagles. Its breathtaking landscapes draw adventurers from around the world.

History and Culture

Originally home to many Indigenous peoples such as the Inuit, Aleut, and Tlingit, Alaska’s history is deeply connected to its Native cultures. It was purchased from Russia in 1867 and became the 49th state in 1959. The state’s economy grew with gold rushes, oil discoveries, and fishing industries, but its people continue to balance modern life with respect for tradition and the natural environment.

Life in the Last Frontier

Today, Alaska’s communities thrive in some of the most challenging yet beautiful conditions on Earth. From the bustling city of Anchorage to remote villages above the Arctic Circle, Alaskans live close to nature. The Northern Lights, long summer days, and vast open spaces make Alaska a truly unforgettable place.

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts

Fact	Detail	Interesting Facts
Region	West (Pacific Division)	Alaska is the only U.S. state that lies partly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It has more coastline than all other U.S. states combined—over 33,000 miles! About 17 of the 20 highest U.S. peaks are in Alaska, including Denali, the tallest at 20,310 feet. Alaska experiences extreme daylight variations—from nearly 24 hours of sunlight in summer to long winter nights. The state was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million—known as “Seward’s Folly.” Over half of Alaska’s residents live in or near Anchorage. Alaska has more than 3 million lakes and over 100,000 glaciers. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, one of the world’s most famous races, runs over 1,000 miles through Alaska’s wilderness. Many parts of Alaska can only be reached by plane or boat—there are few major roads. The northern lights (Aurora Borealis) can often be seen from much of Alaska during winter months.
Population	About 730,000 (2025 est.)
Area	663,267 square miles (largest U.S. state)
Statehood Date	January 3, 1959 (49th state)
Capital City	Juneau
Largest City	Anchorage
Abbreviation	AK
Nickname	The Last Frontier
Geography	Mountainous terrain, glaciers, tundra, and vast forests; includes the Aleutian Islands and Arctic coastlines.
Bordering States	Borders Canada (Yukon Territory and British Columbia); maritime border with Russia across the Bering Strait.
Economy	Oil and gas production, fishing, tourism, and mining; large contributions from federal government employment.
State Tree	Sitka Spruce
State Bird	Willow Ptarmigan

Our Content
	Interactive and Printable Alaska Maps and Map Activities This section features numerous interactive and printable Alaska maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Alaska map.

	History of Alaska Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million, a deal often called “Seward’s Folly.” It became the 49th U.S. state in 1959, known for its vast wilderness and rich natural resources.

	Famous People from Alaska William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who arranged the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, helped bring the territory into American hands. Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit civil rights leader, fought against racial discrimination and helped pass Alaska’s 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act.

	Alaska Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.

	Fun Alaska Printables and Coloring Activities This section features fun and educational Alaska-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Alaska' sign, and much more!

	Fun Alaska and United States Online Games This section provides some really exciting online games such as Alaska or Not Alaska, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.