Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area, with tundra, mountains, and long coastlines. Its capital is Anchorage, and its largest city is Juneau. People often call it the Sunshine State because of its rugged wilderness. Alaska became a state in 1912. Alaska’s coast touches the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s biggest river is the Mississippi River. The highest mountain is Mount Whitney. The major mountain range across the state is the Rocky Mountains. It is home to famous parks like Denali, Yellowstone, and Everglades National Parks. To the east, Alaska borders Russia.