USA Alaska | North America

Alaska is located in the far northwest of North America, bordering the Canadian territories of Yukon and British Columbia to the east and sharing a maritime border with Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. It is the largest U.S. state by area, exceeding the combined size of Texas, California, and Montana. The capital is Juneau.

History & Culture

Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867 and admitted as the 49th state in 1959. Its culture is a synthesis of indigenous heritage (22% of the population across 224 federally recognized tribes), Russian colonial influence, and frontier individualism. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (37%), Catholic (9%), and Orthodox (5%). Social etiquette emphasizes self-sufficiency, respect for subsistence lifestyles, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

English is the official language. Alaska also recognizes 20 indigenous languages as official, including Inupiaq, Yup'ik, and Tlingit. English proficiency is universal. Tagalog (3.4%) and Spanish (2.9%) are the most significant secondary languages. The regional dialect is categorized as General American, though rural areas feature "Bush Alaska" terminology.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 740,000. GDP per capita is approximately $76,000 USD. The economy is driven by oil and gas extraction, commercial fishing, and tourism. In 2026, crude oil production is forecast to reach 477,000 barrels per day-a 13% increase from 2025, driven by the Pikka and Willow projects on the North Slope. Top export commodities are primary metals ($1.0B), petroleum products, and seafood. Real GDP growth for 2026 is projected at 0.9%.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of the UK, EU, and other Visa Waiver Program nations require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. Customs enforcement at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) is strict regarding wildlife products and agricultural items.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal in urban hubs like Anchorage and Fairbanks. Cash is essential in "Off-the-Road" Bush communities where digital infrastructure may be limited. Alaska has no statewide sales tax. ATM availability is high in populated areas.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by aviation and the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry system). The "Railbelt" provides service between Seward, Anchorage, and Fairbanks. Most of the state is inaccessible by road; Juneau is the only U.S. state capital unreachable by car. 2026 infrastructure projects focus on port facilities and dock upgrades for the cruise industry.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are GCI (local), AT&T, and Verizon. 5G coverage is comprehensive in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. In 2026, the state is utilizing federal BEAD funding to expand fiber-to-the-home in unserved rural regions. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems like Starlink are the standard for connectivity in remote villages and wilderness areas.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate ranges from oceanic in the south to arctic in the north. For the 2025–2026 winter, a weak La Niña has resulted in colder-than-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation/snowfall along the northern tier and interior. Coastal regions are experiencing enhanced onshore flow and increased storminess.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme cold/hypothermia, wildlife encounters (bears/moose), and seismic activity. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Southcentral (Finance/Transport/Oil): Hub city is Anchorage.

The Interior (Defense/Mining/Research): Hub city is Fairbanks.

Southeast/Panhandle (Tourism/Fishing/Gov): Hub city is Juneau.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.75 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $8.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $55.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Alaska contains 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the U.S., including Denali ($6,190$ meters). A prominent local legend is the "Kushtaka" (Otterman), a shape-shifting entity in Tlingit folklore said to lure travelers to their doom. The "Iliamna Lake Monster" is a reported 10–30 foot creature inhabiting the state's largest lake. Additionally, the "Alaska Triangle" is a region where an unusually high number of people and aircraft have disappeared without explanation since the 1970s.