Alaska Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located in the northwest extremity of the North American continent and the largest stae of the U.S. by area.
Cities: The capital city is Juneau, while the largest city is easily Anchorage. Approximately half of Alaska’s residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area.
Behind the Name: Alaska is nicknamed the “Last Frontier” because of its distance from the lower 48 states and its rugged landscape and climate.
A Closer Look: As of 2007, Alaska remains the least densely populated state in the nation.
Did You Know? The U.S. Senate approved the purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million at two cents per acre, about five cents per hectare. [Ed. Note: As a point of reference, a condominium in San Francisco’s Nob Hill area recently listed for the ‘bargain’ price of $7.25 million--at least it has a 24-hour doorman.]
Alaska Careers and Employment:
Population: 686,293 (9.5% increase since 2000) – 48.1% Female, 51.9% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 48th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) health care and social assistance; (2) retail trade; (3) accommodation and food services; (4) construction; and (5) transportation and warehousing.
Taxes: No Income Tax – No Sales Tax (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 128.9 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 38th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 15; Apr: 36; July: 58; Oct: 35 (Weather.com).
K-12: Ranked 35th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Alaska Economics:
In General: Fishing, petroleum, mineral and forest industries are significant in the Alaskan economy; tourism serves to help the service-related and transportation industries thrive. Employment is primarily in government and industries such as natural resource extraction, shipping and transportation.
Agriculture: Agriculture represents only a small fraction of the Alaskan economy. In terms of revenue generated, Alaska’s top five agricultural products are greenhouse and nursery products, hay, dairy products, potatoes, and cattle and calves.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing is limited, as the state imports most foodstuffs and general goods.
Fishing: Alaska’s main export product (excluding oil and natural gas) is seafood, primarily salmon, cod, pollock and crab.
A Closer Look: Products cost more in Alaska than in the contiguous 48 states. Military bases are a significant component of the economy in both Fairbanks and Anchorage. Federal subsidies are also an important part of the economy, allowing the state to keep taxes low.
Did You Know? Oil spills aside, the oil and gas industry dominates the Alaskan economy, with more than 80% of the state’s revenues derived from petroleum extraction.
Alaska Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Alaska, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
