Important & Interesting Facts About Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the United States of America (by area). Here are some more interesting facts about Alaska.
Interesting Facts About Alaska

• The United States bought Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867. They paid $7.2 million, which was equal to 2 cents per acre (about 5 cents per hectare).
• The largest city in Alaska, by population, is Anchorage. The capital of Alaska is Juneau.
• The total population of the state is just under 700,000.
• Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America, is located in Alaska. It is 20,320 feet (6,193.7 meters) above sea level.
• Anchorage receives about 75 inches (1,905mm) of snow each year.
• The lowest temperature ever recorded in Alaska was -80F (-62C). It was recorded at Prospect Creek on January 23, 1971. I wouldn’t have liked to be there that day!
• Alaska was officially proclaimed a state on January 3, 1959.
• Just under 16% of people living in Alaska are Native American or Alaska Native.
• Alaska accounts for about one fifth of all oil produced in the Untied States.
• Hunting for caribou, moose and sheep is common in Alaska.
• There are some farms in the ‘warmer’ parts of Alaska. They only have 100 sunny days to grow their crops. However, the sunny days are very long and help produce very good crops.
• The State of Alaska employees about 15,000 people statewide.
• Alaska’s electoral college votes have been won by the Republican nominee in every election (except 1964) since Alaska was declared a state. John McCain defeated Barack Obama 59.49% to 37.83%.
• Alaska has only one member in the US House of Representatives.
• Anchorage is the only Alaskan city that has more than 100,000 residents.