Alaska State Facts & Information

As of July 2024, Alaska's population is estimated at 741,147 residents, representing a growth of 2,274 people (0.3%) from 2023. The state gained 3,437 residents through natural increase (births minus deaths), though 1,163 more people left Alaska than moved in. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Fairbanks North Star Borough experienced the most significant population growth.

Mike Dunleavy serves as Alaska's 12th governor. A Republican, he was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, making him the first Republican Governor in Alaska to win re-election since 1978. Prior to his governorship, Dunleavy served in the Alaska Senate from 2013 to 2018. He has confirmed his intention to serve out his term, which ends in 2026. Before entering politics, Dunleavy spent nearly two decades in northwest Arctic communities working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

Alaska became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959. Before statehood, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million (less than 2 cents per acre) through a deal negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward. This purchase was initially called "Seward's Folly" but proved invaluable after the discovery of gold and later oil.

Alaska's economy in 2024 shows robust growth with a GDP of $70.7 billion and a GDP per capita of $74,150, ranking 9th highest among all states. The state gained 6,000 jobs over the year, driven primarily by construction growth related to North Slope oil and gas projects. Major economic developments include a projected $14 billion investment in oil and gas over the next five years, including the Willow Project and Santos' Pikka project. The unemployment rate stands at 4.7% as of December 2024.

Alaska is nicknamed "The Land of the Midnight Sun" because during summer months, parts of the state experience nearly 24 hours of daylight. This occurs because Alaska extends far north, with portions above the Arctic Circle. In Barrow (Utqiagvik), the northernmost U.S. city, the sun doesn't set for about 82 days from mid-May to early August. Conversely, Alaska experiences extremely short days during winter, with some areas having very limited daylight.

Alaska holds several unique distinctions: it is the largest state in the United States at 570,833 square miles, yet has the fewest people per square mile; it is the most northern state; it is home to Mt. McKinley (Denali) at 20,320 feet, the highest mountain in the United States; and it is the only state with all its borders touching either another country or ocean (no other U.S. state borders). Alaska also has the Permanent Fund Dividend, which pays residents annually from oil revenue investments.

Alaska's economy is primarily driven by oil and gas extraction, which remains the state's main source of income. Other major industries include commercial fishing and seafood processing (Alaska is a world leader in seafood exports, particularly salmon), tourism (with attractions like Denali National Park and glacier viewing), mining (including gold, zinc, and graphite), federal government employment, and transportation. The construction sector has seen significant growth in 2024 due to major infrastructure and energy projects.

Alaska's official state symbols include: the forget-me-not as the state flower; the Sitka Spruce as the state tree; the Willow Ptarmigan as the state bird; and "Alaska's Flag" as the state song. The state motto is "North to the Future." Alaska's flag features eight gold stars forming the Big Dipper and North Star on a blue background, designed by 13-year-old Benny Benson in 1927.

Alaska's largest city is Anchorage, home to nearly 40% of the state's population. The state capital is Juneau, which is unique as the only U.S. state capital inaccessible by road (only by boat or plane). Fairbanks is the third-largest city and serves as a major hub for Alaska's interior. Other notable communities include Sitka, Ketchikan (known as the "Salmon Capital of the World"), and Barrow (Utqiagvik), the northernmost city in the United States.

Alaska's premier attractions include Denali National Park (featuring North America's highest peak), Glacier Bay National Park with its 17 glaciers near Juneau, the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry system), historic totem poles near Ketchikan and at Sitka National Historical Park, Katmai National Park (famous for bear watching), and the Inside Passage cruising route. Wildlife viewing opportunities for moose, elk, caribou, bears, and mountain goats are abundant throughout the state.