The Biggest State in the US: Understanding Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the US and has a total area of 663,268 square miles. It is nearly twice the size of Texas and nearly 20 times larger than Rhode Island, the smallest state. To put it into perspective, Alaska is three times the size of California, the most populous state in the US.

Geographic Profile of Alaska

As one of the two states not located within the contiguous United States, Alaska is situated in the northwest corner of the North American continent. Its borders extend from the Arctic Ocean and Chukchi Sea in the north, to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and to the Gulf of Alaska in the south. Alaska is notable for its diverse mountain ranges, snow-capped volcanoes, forests, glaciers, and tundra. The state is home to numerous wildlife species including bald eagles, black bears, caribou, foxes, wolves, and whales. In addition, Alaska has a number of rivers and ocean straits, including the longest river in the US – the Yukon River. It also contains the largest lake in the US by surface area – Lake Iliamna.

Important Cities and Attractions in Alaska

Although Alaska is the largest US state by area, its population is relatively small and much of the land is sparsely inhabited. The state’s capital city, Juneau, has a population of roughly 33,000. Anchorage is the state’s largest city with an estimated 300,000 residents. Other major cities include Fairbanks and Sitka.

For those looking to visit, Alaska offers a variety of attractions from vibrant culture, amazing wilderness, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Notable destinations include Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, the Alaska Railroad, and the Inside Passage. Alaska is also known for its unique native culture, which includes craftwork, dance, music and storytelling.

Alaska is the largest state in the US by land area and an amazing place to visit. With its vast rural countryside, dense forests and breathtaking wildlife, this US state is a great destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of North America.