Chapter 1
ALASKA
Denali National Park
POWER RANKING - #18
ABOUT ALASKA
Now picture this: you think you’re all alone, out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mountains that look like they belong in a postcard. And out of the trees? Boom! There’s an Alaskan with a flannel shirt and a chainsaw. Why? Who knows, man? They may be chopping wood, or they may be ready for the zombie apocalypse. These guys live on another level of “prepared.”
They call the rest of us “Outsiders,” which is hilarious ’cause they think we’re the weird ones. They’re living up there with grizzly bears and temperatures that would make your bones ache, but somehow, we’re the ones who don’t get it. Meanwhile, they’ve got this love-hate thing with the government. They’ll take the cash when D.C. throws some their way, but five minutes later, they’re mad about “too much federal interference.” Make up your minds, Alaska!
Have you ever heard about Seward buying Alaska? The dude snatched it from Russia for $7.2 million back in the day. That’s like getting a mansion for the price of a used car. People then laughed at him, calling it “Seward’s Folly.” Now? It’s like having the world’s most enormous backyard; they’re sitting on all the oil and gold. 29
White: Approximately 60-65% of Alaska’s population identifies as White.Indigenous Peoples: Alaska has a significant Indigenous population, including Alaska Natives (such as Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, and others), who comprise about 15-20% of the state’s residents.Asian and Pacific Islander: Around 5-7% of Alaskans are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
Speaking of gold, the Klondike Gold Rush, man—that’s when Alaska popped onto the national radar. Suddenly, everyone’s like, “Let’s go freeze our asses off for a shot at getting rich!” Anchorage wasn’t even a thing until 1914, but they built a whole railroad up there. Alaska’s always been this wild frontier where people go to get rich or die trying.
Oh, and let’s talk about the Iditarod for a second. Do you think your dog’s impressive for catching a frisbee? These sled dogs saved lives, dragging medicine across 700 miles of snow to save a town from diphtheria. It’s the only race that makes the Tour de France look like a Sunday stroll.
Then World War II happened, and boom—Japan appeared in Alaska. The only time foreign troops set foot on U.S. soil since 1812, and of course, it happens in Alaska, ’cause why not? They’re building highways, sending troops, and suddenly Alaska goes from “icebox” to strategic goldmine. You bet they’re not giving that up after the war.
Now fast-forward to today, and they’re still playing defense up there. Russia’s out there flying planes near Alaska’s borders like it’s their playground. The U.S. and Canada are like, “Not today, Putin,” scrambling jets to keep an eye on things. And don’t even get me started on all the military bases. There’s more military might up there than people some days!
And despite all the wilderness, there are only about 731,000 people in the state, but the land? Massive. It’s like they took Florida, California, and a bunch of other states and just smashed them into one. But you wouldn’t know it unless you’ve seen it ’cause most of it is just open, wild land. Do you want to live there? Better be ready to live off the land like your ancestors ’cause convenience isn’t in Alaska’s vocabulary.
Ultimately, Alaska’s not just a place; it’s a test. It tests how tough you are, how much cold you can handle, and whether you’ve got what it takes to survive. If you can hack it, congrats—you’ve joined the ranks of the most hardcore people on Earth. If not? Don’t worry, buddy; we’ll be here in the Lower 48 sipping lattes while you freeze.
VITAL STATISTICS
Nickname: it’s often informally referred to as “The Last Frontier.” This nickname reflects the state’s wilderness, vast landscapes, and remote location.
Joined Union: Alaska became the 49th state in the United States on January 3, 1959.
Size: Alaska covers approximately 663,267 square miles, making it the country’s largest state by land area. Its immense size encompasses diverse ecosystems, including glaciers, mountains, tundra, and forests.
Ethnicity: 30
Other Ethnicities: The remaining percentage includes individuals from various ethnic backgrounds.
Bachelor’s degree: Compared to other states, a smaller percentage of Alaskans aged 25 and older hold bachelor’s degrees. It’s estimated to be around 25-30%.
Master’s degree: Approximately 8-10% of the same age group have earned master’s degrees.
College Grads:
GROWTH OF THE STATE
Population: With a population of around 731,000, Alaska is one of the least populous states. Despite its vast landmass, its population density remains low due to its rugged terrain and isolation.
Recent net migration numbers
2022–2023: 3,246 people left Alaska due to net migration
2023–2024: 1,163 more people left Alaska than moved in
July 2023–July 2024: 3,774 more residents left than were gained within the U.S.
HIGH CRIME AREAS
Cities with crime rate over the National Average: According to the FBI UCR data, in 2022, among Alaska cities with a population of at least 10K,
Fairbanks had the highest Total Crime Rate per 100K residents (5,194.45)
Anchorage (3,962.27)
National Average (2500)
IN PRAISE OF
Spectacular Scenery- This place is like a postcard that came to life and decided to flex on the rest of the world. You’ve got these towering mountains, and let’s be honest, McKinley is the big shot of them all—it’s the tallest peak in North America, and it’s just sitting there like, “Yeah, I’m the boss.” Glaciers and fjords? Forget about it! It’s like nature threw a party and invited all the best features. If you’re a nature lover, this is your buffet. Just try not to drool on your camera while you’re at it.
Abundant Wildlife-Now, if you think you’ll see some cute little squirrels or a few deer, you’re in for a surprise. Alaska is a wildlife wonderland! Have you ever seen a grizzly bear? Those guys are like the bouncers of the forest, and they don’t mess around. You can also spot black bears, moose that look like they’ve been hitting the gym, and caribou just chilling like they own the place. And let’s not forget the marine life! Whales and seals are out there living their best lives while you’re trying to snap the perfect pic. National parks are nature’s version of a VIP lounge for wildlife viewing.
Outdoor Adventures-If you’re the type who gets antsy sitting on the couch, Alaska is your playground. This place is packed with activities that’ll make your heart race faster than a kid who just ate a whole bag of candy. You can hike through the wilderness like some rugged adventurer or go fishing—because who doesn’t want to catch their dinner? And let’s not skip over dog sledding. That’s right! You can harness a team of dogs and feel like a real-life explorer. Snowmobiling? Yep, they’ve got that too. It’s like living in an action movie; you’re the star.
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)-And then there are the Northern Lights. Let me tell you, this isn’t just some Instagram filter; this is the real deal. Alaska is one of the best spots on the planet to catch this magical light show. Picture dark winter nights when the sky suddenly decides to have a rave. It’s mesmerizing! You’ll be standing there, jaw dropped, thinking, “Is this real life, or did I just step into a sci-fi flick?” If you ever see this, you’ll talk about it for the rest of your life.
Rich Native Culture-But wait, there’s more! Alaska isn’t just about the scenery and wildlife; it’s got culture, too! The Indigenous communities here have traditions that run deep. You can dive into Alaska Native art and history, visit museums, or even chat with locals who’ll share stories that’ll make your heart swell. It’s a mix of adventure and education, giving you a taste of something genuinely unique. So, when you think of Alaska, remember it’s not just a pretty face; it has depth, history, and a lot of character.
