Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States and one of its most diverse. Located in the far northwest corner of North America, Alaska has a unique geography that includes snow-covered mountains, glaciers, fjords, forests and tundra. It’s also home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife including polar bears, bald eagles, moose and caribou.
Geography
The total area of Alaska is 663267 square miles (1.7 million km2). Its coastline stretches over 47000 miles (75000 km) making it larger than all but 18 countries globally by size. The highest point in Alaska is Mount McKinley at 20320 feet (6194 m), while Denali National Park protects approximately six million acres (243000 km2) of wild land where visitors can view grizzly bears and other majestic wildlife species up close. In addition to mountains and forests there are numerous rivers as well as many lakes throughout interior Alaska providing ample opportunities for fishing or kayaking adventures while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Climate
Alaska’s climate varies from subarctic to arctic depending on location with average temperatures ranging from -20°F (-29°C) during winter months to 80°F (27°C) during summer months near sea level in Southcentral region along coastal areas such as Anchorage and Juneau . Due to its northern latitude much of interior portions remain cold year round due shorter days during winter season combined with lack vegetation which reflects heat back into atmosphere causing colder temperatures compared to coastal regions .
Economy & Culture
Despite vast natural resources majority Alaskan economy relies heavily on tourism , military bases , oil production , fisheries industry , mining operations and logging activities . Fishing alone contributes more than $5 billion annually towards state’s economy while oil extraction generates additional revenue estimated between $10 – 15 billion yearly depending on global commodity prices . Additionally due government incentives many residents receive significant financial rewards through Permanent Fund Dividend program initiated 1976 which allows every Alaskan citizen receive share portion annual income generated through oil revenues regardless their age or place residence within state borders . Finally culture life centered around Native American tribes who have lived northern parts country thousands years before Europeans arrived Americas 16th century introducing new ways living customs based mainly upon subsistence hunting-fishing lifestyle still practiced today amongst small communities scattered across vast expanses wilderness found inside Arctic Circle .