The largest state in the United States by area is Alaska. Covering an enormous landmass, Alaska accounts for nearly one-sixth of the country’s total area. This article explores Alaska’s size, geography, population, and significance, providing detailed insights for readers.
Geographical Size and Area of Alaska
Alaska spans a total area of 663,300 square miles (1,717,854 square kilometers), making it by far the largest state in the US. To put this into perspective:
- It is more than twice the size of Texas, the second-largest state, which has an area of 268,596 square miles.
- Alaska is larger than the combined area of the next three largest states: Texas, California, and Montana.
- It is larger than all but 18 of the world’s sovereign nations.
Land Area vs. Water Area
- Land Area: 570,641 square miles, making it the largest land area among US states.
- Water Area: 91,316 square miles, contributing significantly to Alaska’s vast territory.
Alaska’s large water area includes over 3 million lakes, rivers, and extensive coastlines.
Geographical Features of Alaska
Mountains and Glaciers
- Denali: Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
- Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States.
- Glaciers cover around 29,000 square miles of Alaska’s land.
Coastline
- Alaska has the longest coastline in the United States, measuring approximately 6,640 miles.
- If islands are included, the total coastline stretches over 33,904 miles.
Wildlife and Natural Resources
Alaska’s diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, bald eagles, and salmon. The state is also abundant in natural resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals.
Population and Demographics
Population Size
Despite its vast size, Alaska has a relatively small population of around 731,000 people as of 2020. This makes it the third least populated state in the US.
Population Density
Alaska’s population density is the lowest in the United States, with about 1.3 people per square mile. This highlights its vast uninhabited wilderness.
Significance of Alaska
Economic Contributions
- Energy Resources: Alaska is a major producer of oil and natural gas. The Prudhoe Bay Oil Field is one of the largest oil fields in North America.
- Fishing Industry: Alaska’s waters are among the most productive fishing areas in the world, providing salmon, crab, and halibut.
- Tourism: Millions of visitors are drawn to Alaska each year for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities.
Historical Importance
- Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, often referred to as “Seward’s Folly” at the time.
- It became the 49th state of the US on January 3, 1959.
Environmental Significance
- Alaska’s ecosystems play a vital role in global climate regulation, with its forests acting as carbon sinks.
- The state’s vast tundra and glaciers are crucial indicators of climate change.
Comparisons with Other US States
Size Comparison
Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. Its size often surprises people, as it appears smaller on traditional maps due to the Mercator projection.
Geographic Extremes
- Westernmost and Easternmost State: Due to the Aleutian Islands crossing the 180° meridian, Alaska is technically both the westernmost and easternmost state.
- Northernmost State: Alaska includes the Arctic Circle, with the northernmost point being Point Barrow.
