Alaska is unlike any other U.S. state. It is enormous, sparsely populated, and filled with mountains, glaciers, forests, tundra, rivers, islands, and long stretches of coastline. It sits at the far northwestern edge of North America, separated from the lower 48 states by Canada.
Juneau is the capital of Alaska, while Anchorage is the largest city and home to the biggest share of the state’s population. Alaska is also known for its Alaska Native cultures, oil fields, fishing industry, national parks, wildlife, and North America’s highest mountain.
In this guide, you’ll learn the most important facts about Alaska, including its geography, cities, population, history, economy, GDP, natural resources, landmarks, and state symbols.
Data last reviewed: August 2026. Population figures are based on the latest available U.S. Census Bureau estimates, and GDP figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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