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The size of the state, the population, the seasons, and why the Lower 48 intuitions about distance do not work.
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About Alaska
The size of the state, the population, the seasons, and why the Lower 48 intuitions about distance do not work.
Scale
Alaska is the largest state by area: 663,000 square miles, more than twice the size of Texas. If you overlaid it on the Lower 48 it would stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada to Mexico. Much of that area has no road, no town, and no phone signal.
Population
Under 740,000 people in total. Anchorage alone holds 290,000, nearly 40%. Fairbanks is the second city at 30,000. Juneau, the capital, is 32,000 and only reachable by air or ferry. Everywhere else is small.
Time zones
Most of Alaska is on Alaska Time (UTC minus 9). One hour behind Pacific Time. The Aleutians are on their own time zone an hour further back. Alaska observes daylight saving.
Getting around
Road system connects Anchorage, Fairbanks, and most of Mat-Su, Kenai, and the Interior. Southeast (the panhandle) is not on the road system: flights or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry only. Bush Alaska is float plane or small-strip flight only.
Currency and language
US dollars. English is the working language. Most traveller-facing services take major cards. Cell coverage is excellent in population centers and disappears entirely 30 minutes outside them.
People also ask
Frequently asked questions
How big is Alaska?
663,000 square miles. More than twice the size of Texas. Overlaid on the Lower 48 it stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
What is the population of Alaska?
Around 740,000 residents. Anchorage alone is 290,000, nearly 40% of the state. Fairbanks is the second city at 30,000.
What time zone is Alaska in?
Most of the state is on Alaska Standard Time (UTC minus 9), one hour behind Pacific Time. The Aleutians are one hour further back.
What language is spoken in Alaska?
English is the working language. Alaska Native languages (Yup’ik, Inupiaq, Tlingit, and others) are spoken in some communities; English still works everywhere.
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