All About Alaska

How much do you know about Alaska? Be a top Wiki contributor: Help us track down the state stats to create the ultimate guide to Alaska. Population: 670,053 State Capital: Juneau Statehood: Jan. 3, 1959 Entered the Union: 49th state Area per person: 1 square mile State Size: 591,004 square miles (Alaska's land mass is larger than California, Montana and Texas combined.) Seattle: Dutch Harbor is 2300 miles from Seattle, WA Get More on the Wild Frontier: Wild Alaska! When in Dutch Harbor Where in the World are the Aleutian Islands? Submit Your Alaska Photos

Origin and Meaning of State Name: Derived from the Aleut word "aláxsxaq" ...

History and Culture:

Climate:
The the Inside Passage climate benefits from the temperature-moderating influence of the Gulf of Alaska. The summers aren't too warm (60s and 70s), and the winters aren't as cold, as they are inland or in the rest of Alaska. The broad Anchorage-area climate, including the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound, often sees summer temperatures in the mid-70s. Winter temperatures may fall into the -20s and -30s for a short spell. The Interior climate, including Fairbanks and Denali National Park, may have summer temperatures in the 80s or 90s. Winter temperatures may fall to -40 or -50. Northern Alaska's arctic climate is a place of enduring cold in the winter and somewhat higher temperatures in the summer. Western Alaska's climate is influenced by the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean, but the inland sections are warm in the summer and cold in the winter.

State Flag: "Eight Stars of Gold on a Field of Blue" Brief History: Designed by 7th-grade student Benny Benson in 1926. Adopted: 1927	State Bird: The Alaska Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alascensis Swarth) Adopted: 1955	State Flower: Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris) Adopted:1917
State Song: Eight stars of gold on a field of blue Alaska's Flag may it mean to you The blue of the sea, the evening sky The mountain lakes and the flow'rs near-by The gold of the early sourdoughs dreams The precious gold of the hills and streams The brilliant stars in the northern sky The "Bear," the "Dipper," and shining high The great North Star with its steady light O'er land and sea a beacon bright Alaska's Flag to Alaskans dear The simple flag of a Last Frontier	State Motto: "North to the Future" "...is a reminder that beyond the horizon of urban clutter there is a Great Land beneath our flag that can provide a new tomorrow for this century's 'huddled masses yearning to be free'." -- Richard Peter, a newsman and creator of the state motto	State Nickname(s): The Last Frontier
State Seal: Designed: 1910	State Tree: Sitka Spruce	State Fish: King Salmon
State Land Mammal: Moose	State Marine Mammal: Bowhead Whale	State Insect: Four Spot Skimmer Dragonfly
State Sport: Dog Mushing	State Gem: Jade	State Mineral: Gold

Major Cities: Juneau (capital), Anchorage, Fairbanks

About Juneau Population: 30,987 Average summer temperature (July): 65 F (18 C) Average winter temperature (January): 20 F (-7 C) Average snowfall: 101 in. (257cm) Maximum daylight hours (June):18 hours, 18 minutes Minimum daylight hours (December): 6 hours, 21 minutes

About Anchorage Population: 260,000 Average summer temperature (July): 60 F Average winter temperature (January): 15 F Average snowfall: 70 inches Maximum daylight hours (June): 19 hours, 21 minutes Minimum daylight hours (December): 5 hours, 28 minutes

About Fairbanks Population: 31,324 Average summer temperature (July): 62.5 F (17 C) Average winter temperature (January): Average snowfall: 67.4 in (171 cm) Maximum daylight hours (June):21 hours, 49 minutes Minimum daylight hours (December): 3 hours, 42 minutes

Fun Facts:

• The state's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.
• Agattu, Attu, and Kiska are the only parts of North America occupied by Japanese troops during WW2
  

• Most of the boats on this show Tender for salmon in the summer months in the Naknek and Dillingham region of Bristol Bay.
  

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National Parks:

• Denali National Park
  
• Wrangell St. Elias National Park
  
• Kenai Fjords National Park
  
• Glacier Bay National Park
  

• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Katmai National Park and Preserve
  

Other Points of Interest:

• Alaska Raptor Center
  
• Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour
  
• Alaska Marine Highway
  

• The Alaska Railroad
  

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Major Industries:

• Fishing, processing seafood products
  
• Mining--oil, gold, zinc, silver, coal, etc...
  
• Forestry and agriculture
  

• Tourism
  

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More Resources on the Web:

• State of Alaska
• Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Alaska.com
• A Timeline on Alaska: http://kodiakisland.net/timeline.html
  
• Eight Stars of Gold: The Story of Alaska's Flag
  

• Alaska State Museums
  

• Alaska State Symbols
  
• Alaska State Chamber of Commerce