Alaska is the 49th state of the United States, a vast semi exclave on the northwest of North America bordered by Canada and the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. It spans about 1.72 million square kilometers yet has only around 730,000 to 740,000 residents, making it the largest and one of the least densely populated US states. The capital is Juneau and the largest city is Anchorage. English is dominant and Alaska recognizes 20 Native languages alongside it. The name derives from an Aleut word often rendered as Alaxsxaq meaning the mainland or the object toward which the action of the sea is directed. Official symbols include the blue flag with the Big Dipper and North Star, the motto North to the Future, the state bird willow ptarmigan and the state flower forget me not. Gambling is highly restricted with no state lottery or commercial casinos, though charitable gaming and tribal Class II bingo and pull tabs operate under regulation. Executive authority lies with the Governor, and defense presence is significant through US Army, Air Force and Coast Guard units and the Alaska National Guard. Time zones include Alaska Time with daylight saving and Hawaii Aleutian Time in the far west.

History
For millennia Alaska has been home to Indigenous peoples including Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Unangax̂, Athabascan, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian, whose sophisticated lifeways adapted to Arctic, subarctic and maritime environments. Maritime fur traders from Russia reached the Aleutians in the 18th century, forming the Russian American Company and exploiting sea otters, which disrupted local societies while creating outposts like Sitka. The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars, an agreement signed by William H. Seward and initially mocked as Seward’s Folly before gold rushes transformed public opinion. The Klondike gold rush of the late 1890s spilled into Alaska via Skagway and Dyea, and subsequent strikes in Nome and Fairbanks catalyzed rail and town building, while governance evolved from military administration to civil territorial status in 1912. World War II brought strategic importance as Japan occupied Attu and Kiska in the Aleutians in 1942, prompting the Aleutian campaign, massive military construction and forced relocations of some Unangax̂ communities. The 1942 Alaska Canada Highway linked the territory with the Lower 48, reshaping supply lines and settlement.
Statehood arrived on January 3, 1959 after a robust home rule movement and economic maturation. In 1964 the Good Friday earthquake of magnitude 9.2, the largest recorded in North American history, devastated parts of Southcentral Alaska and reconfigured shorelines. The 1968 discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay transformed finances and infrastructure, leading to the Trans Alaska Pipeline System completed in 1977, while the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act created Native corporations and land settlements unprecedented in US law. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound caused severe environmental and economic damage and spurred changes in maritime safety and response. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw growth in fisheries, tourism, federal employment and research, together with deepening recognition of Indigenous rights and languages. Military basing expanded for Arctic and Pacific missions, and in 2022 US Army Alaska was reflagged as the 11th Airborne Division to align with cold weather operations. Recent decades have also brought climate change impacts including thawing permafrost, coastal erosion and changing sea ice, alongside major seismic events such as the 2018 Anchorage earthquake. Alaska today balances resource extraction, conservation, subsistence traditions and global connectivity via air cargo and cruise tourism while retaining a strong frontier identity.

Industry
Oil and gas from the North Slope and Cook Inlet remain pillars of revenue, with the Trans Alaska Pipeline linking Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Fisheries are world class, from salmon runs in Bristol Bay and Southeast to pollock and cod in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, with processing hubs in Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. Mining includes zinc and lead at Red Dog, one of the world’s largest zinc mines, as well as gold at Fort Knox and Pogo and coal at Usibelli. Tourism focuses on cruises, national parks and adventure travel. Air cargo through Ted Stevens Anchorage International ranks among the busiest globally by freight due to transpacific routes. Notable Alaska born or based brands include Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau, Copper River salmon as a premium regional label and gear and crafts cooperatives such as Oomingmak for qiviut knitwear. Shipyards, timber in Southeast and growing renewable projects add diversity.

Flora and fauna
Ecosystems range from temperate rainforests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock in the Southeast to boreal forests of white and black spruce in the Interior and tundra of the North Slope. Iconic wildlife includes brown bears including the giant Kodiak subspecies, black bears, polar bears in Arctic coastal zones, moose, caribou herds, Dall sheep, mountain goats, wolves, lynx and wolverines. Marine life features humpback and orca whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions and salmon that underpin food webs and culture. Endangered or sensitive species include Cook Inlet beluga, spectacled eider and the western population of Steller sea lions. Hazards include mosquitoes in summer, ticks in limited but increasing distribution, and plants like devil’s club and water hemlock that can injure or poison. Pet export and wildlife products are regulated under US and international rules and CITES, with strict prohibitions on marine mammal products for non Indigenous buyers.

Religion and races
Alaska is ethnically diverse by US standards. Non Hispanic White residents comprise a bare majority, Alaska Native and American Indian peoples make up roughly one sixth to one fifth of the population, and significant communities include multiracial, Asian particularly Filipino, Black and Pacific Islander residents. Christianity is the largest religious umbrella, with Protestant and Catholic denominations and a distinctive Russian Orthodox presence among some Alaska Native communities. A large share of residents identify as unaffiliated. Faith and culture intertwine with potlatches, dance festivals and subsistence practices that structure community life.

Wars and conflicts
The Aleutian campaign of World War II placed combat on American soil, with battles on Attu and the evacuation and internment of Unangax̂ residents from the Aleutians. Cold War radar lines and air defense sites and ongoing strategic basing have kept a military footprint across the state. Alaska itself is not an active war zone, but service members deploy from its installations to global missions. War cemeteries, memorials and museums, including in Anchorage and on the Aleutian Islands, commemorate those events. Terrorism incidents are rare and security levels are in line with US norms.

Standard of living
Median household income is relatively high, boosted by resource and federal sectors and tempered by high logistics costs. The Permanent Fund Dividend distributes a variable annual payment to eligible residents. Cost of living spikes in remote communities where fuel and groceries are flown or barged in. Governance and corruption levels reflect US institutions with open records and active media, though isolated scandals have occurred in the past. Quality of life centers on access to nature, tight knit communities and seasonal rhythms.

Healthcare
Healthcare combines private providers, tribal health organizations and public facilities. Care quality is strong in hub cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, while remote villages rely on clinics, community health aides and medevac. Pharmacies operate with standard US hours and rotating on call options in smaller towns. Visitors should have travel insurance that covers evacuation and carry necessary prescriptions. Tap water is generally safe in towns, and standard vaccinations suffice.

Sport
Mushing is emblematic, highlighted by the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Yukon Quest events. Outdoor sports dominate, including fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, snowmachining and trail running. The Alaska Native Games celebrate traditional strength and balance events. The state fields NCAA teams such as the UAA Seawolves and UAF Nanooks, and Alaskans have excelled in cross country skiing, including Olympic success. Community leagues and mountain races animate long summer days.

Holidays
Along with US federal holidays, Alaska observes Seward’s Day on the last Monday in March marking the 1867 purchase and Alaska Day on October 18 celebrating the transfer ceremony in Sitka. Solstice festivals in June and December reflect the light extremes. Regional celebrations include the Alaska State Fair in Palmer and Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage preceding the Iditarod ceremonial start.

Traditions
Subsistence hunting and fishing are central for many rural and Alaska Native communities, guided by seasons and respect for animals. Potlatch gatherings reaffirm kinship and generosity. Urban traditions include salmon bakes, community fish processing days and neighborhood moose alerts. Visitors should ask permission before photographing people or culturally sensitive sites and follow local guidance in dry communities where alcohol is restricted.

Interesting facts
Denali rises 6,190 meters, North America’s apex. The 1964 Good Friday quake at magnitude 9.2 reshaped coastlines and remains the strongest recorded in the US. Prince William Sound was the site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill that transformed environmental policy. Anchorage is a top global air cargo crossroads. The bore tide in Turnagain Arm forms a surfable wave on big tide days. Pop culture set pieces include 30 Days of Night and Northern Exposure, and reality series like Deadliest Catch spotlight Bering Sea fishing. Notable Alaskans include musician Jewel, Olympian Kikkan Randall and public figure Sarah Palin.

Money
Currency is the US dollar. Cards are widely accepted in urban and tourist hubs, while small rural vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are common in towns and scarce in villages. Foreign exchange is limited outside major banks and airports, and international visitors should arrive with a no fee card. Tipping follows US norms at roughly 15 to 20 percent in restaurants and for guides and drivers. There is no statewide sales tax, but local sales taxes exist in some municipalities.

Household details
Electricity is 120V at 60Hz with type A and B plugs. Mobile coverage is good in cities and corridors and sparse in the bush. Internet access is reliable in hubs and variable in remote areas. Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places by local ordinances. In summer, blackout curtains and sleep masks help with long daylight.

Clothing
Layering is the rule. Pack moisture wicking base layers, insulating mid layers and a waterproof shell, plus hats and gloves even in summer for glacier and boat trips. Sturdy waterproof footwear is essential. Casual attire is accepted almost everywhere, with shorts and T shirts fine in warm spells. In villages and cultural sites, dress modestly and remove hats where requested indoors.

Tourism
Plan at least 7 to 10 days for a first visit focused on one to two regions such as the Inside Passage by cruise or the Southcentral Interior rail road loop. Two to three weeks allow deeper exploration including Denali, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell St. Elias and the Arctic. The season runs May to September for cruises and road trips, with peak wildlife and long days in June and July and fall colors and aurora returns in late August and September. Winter travel offers aurora viewing, skiing and festivals with careful logistics. Book early for ferries, lodges, rental cars and popular tours like bear viewing and glacier cruises. Expect long distances, limited road network and weather variability that can affect flights and ferries.

Types of tourism
Cruising along the Inside Passage, national park sightseeing, wildlife viewing and photography, fishing and hunting, mountaineering and trekking, glacier and fjord boat tours, rail journeys, cultural and historical travel in Sitka and Juneau, aurora and winter adventure, bush plane flightseeing to remote peaks and bear country.

List of tourist attractions
– Denali National Park and Preserve – home to North America’s highest peak and abundant wildlife
– Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve – tidewater glaciers and fjords, UNESCO as part of the Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek site
– Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve – the largest US national park with vast icefields, UNESCO in the same transboundary listing
– Kenai Fjords National Park – Harding Icefield and marine wildlife cruises from Seward
– Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness – glacier carved channels popular with cruises
– Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau – accessible glacier with visitor center and trails
– Katmai National Park and Preserve – bear viewing at Brooks Falls and Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
– Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve – roadless wilderness in the Brooks Range
– Sitka National Historical Park – Tlingit culture and totems amid temperate rainforest
– Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center – art, history and living cultures
– Alaska Railroad route – scenic rail between Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks
– Chena Hot Springs and Aurora viewing near Fairbanks – geothermal pools and northern lights

List of non tourist attractions
– Hatcher Pass alpine valleys – summer wildflowers and abandoned Independence Mine with fewer crowds on shoulder seasons
– Kachemak Bay State Park’s Grewingk Glacier – boat access to quiet trails and iceberg lagoons
– Shoup Glacier near Valdez – kayak or boat among wildlife away from heavy traffic
– Turnagain Arm pullouts for bore tide – dramatic tidal surge on select days outside city bustle
– Delta Junction bison range overlooks – chance for distant viewing on a little visited stretch
– Barrow sea ice edge in shoulder seasons – stark Arctic vistas with local guidance

Local cuisine
Seafood leads with wild salmon, halibut, black cod and Dungeness and king crab. Reindeer sausage is a street and diner staple. Regional and Indigenous foods include muktuk, akutaq berry whip, seal and whale in subsistence contexts and berries and birch or spruce tip syrups. Craft beer thrives with breweries such as Alaskan Brewing Company, Anchorage Brewing and Midnight Sun. Meals follow US norms with lunch at midday and dinner from early evening. Tipping is standard, and food safety is high, though travelers should be cautious with foraged plants and ensure fish is from reputable sources.

Why visit
Alaska concentrates superlatives in one place – the tallest peaks, vast glaciers, charismatic wildlife and cultures rooted in landscape. It rewards curiosity, patience and respect with experiences that feel singular in a world of copy paste destinations.

Safety for tourists
Urban crime is generally low to moderate, with typical vigilance advised. Wildlife safety is paramount – give bears and moose space, carry and know how to use bear spray where recommended and secure food. Natural hazards include earthquakes, tsunamis on exposed coasts, hypothermia on water and trails, glacial silt mudflats, strong tides and river crossings. Mosquitoes and biting flies peak in early summer. Public hygiene is high and potable water common. Respect for different nationalities and races is the norm, and cultural sensitivity is essential in Indigenous communities. The emergency number is 911, with search and rescue often volunteer supported.

Tourist infrastructure level
Service quality is strong in hubs and popular corridors, with excellent guided operations. In remote regions capacity is limited and seasonal, and logistics depend on weather and aircraft or boats. English is universal, and staff are experienced with international visitors. Book early and build weather buffers.

Entry rules
As a US state, entry follows United States immigration and customs rules. Visa Waiver Program travelers require an approved ESTA, others need appropriate visas. Driving or ferrying via Canada requires valid documents for both countries and compliance with customs rules on food, plants and animal products. Firearms transport is tightly regulated. Declare large cash and adhere to TSA and FAA restrictions on items like bear spray and fuel.

Transport
The Alaska Railroad links Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks with scenic services. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferries connect coastal communities and the Inside Passage. Alaska Airlines and regional carriers link towns and bush communities, with small planes and floatplanes ubiquitous. In cities, rideshare and taxis operate, and local buses serve Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Tickets are bought online, at stations or onboard ferries and buses where allowed.

Car
Major rentals are available in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Driving is on the right with typical limits of 25 to 35 mph in towns and 55 to 65 mph on highways. Roads are few but scenic, including the Parks, Glenn, Seward, Richardson and Sterling Highways and gravel routes like the Denali Highway and the Dalton toward the Arctic Ocean. Wildlife crossings, frost heaves and gravel demand alert driving. Winter tires or studs are strongly recommended in cold seasons, and 4×4 is useful beyond cities. DUI limits are 0.08 percent BAC with strict enforcement. There are no toll roads, and speed enforcement is present but not heavy on cameras. Police bribes are not part of local culture. Dashcams are generally legal. Carry a full size spare, windshield repair kit and survival gear in winter.

Noise regime
Local ordinances and lodging policies often set quiet hours around 22:00 to 07:00. In the backcountry, courtesy and Leave No Trace norms apply at all hours.

Daily budget
Budget travelers can manage at 100 to 150 US dollars per day using hostels or campsites, cooking and public transport. Midrange comfort runs 200 to 350 dollars with rental car, standard hotels and paid tours. High end trips with lodges, fly in bear viewing and guided fishing often exceed 400 dollars per day and can run much higher in peak season.

What is not recommended or prohibited
Do not fly drones in US National Parks without permits or over wildlife and crowds. Do not approach or feed animals, collect artifacts or disturb cultural sites. Alcohol is prohibited in some rural communities, so respect local laws. Bear spray and fuel canisters are not allowed in aircraft cabins and have shipping restrictions. Fire restrictions and fishing and hunting regulations are strictly enforced.

Climate
Climate varies widely. Southeast is maritime with cool wet summers and mild winters, Southcentral has cool summers and snowy winters, the Interior has warm summers and very cold winters and the Arctic has short cool summers and long polar winters. Best time for road and cruise trips is May to September, with June and July offering long light and wildlife activity and August bringing more rain in the Southeast. Aurora viewing peaks from late August to April with dark skies and cold clear nights.

Tips for tourists
Book early for peak season and remote lodges. Build in weather margins for flights and ferries. Carry layers, rain gear, insect repellent and sun protection for snow and water glare. Learn bear and moose safety and travel with a satellite messenger on remote routes. Fuel up often, check tide tables for coastal hikes and bring backup power for cameras in the cold. Respect private lands and subsistence activities and ask before entering fish camps or villages.
Typical photo suggestion A high quality horizontal image of Denali with reflection in a still lake at sunrise, crisp sky, no people visible.