1. ALASKA

2. The great state of Alaska is a place of startling beauty and contrasts
The great state of Alaska is a place of startling beauty and contrasts. From the frozen tundra of the north, to the rain forests of the southeast, to the majestic mountain ranges and stunning coastlines, Alaska has it all. A Mecca for tourists, naturalists, sportsmen and more, Alaska has something to offer everyone.

3. Capital: Juneau Motto: North to the Future
State symbols: flower: forget-me-not (1949) tree: sitka spruce (1962) bird: willow ptarmigan (1955) fish: king salmon (1962) song: “Alaska's Flag” (1955) Nickname: The state is commonly called “The Last Frontier” or “Land of the Midnight»

4. 1. Alaska's name comes from the Eskimo word Alakshak meaning “great lands” or “peninsula” Alaska is by far the largest state in the union and is over twice the size of Texas Alaska is a geographical marvel. When a scale map of Alaska is superimposed on a map of the 48 lower states, Alaska extends from coast to coast.

5. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state
Alaska has the longest coastline of any state. The Alaskan coastline runs for 6,640 miles, more than all the other states' coastlines combined Alaska has over 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last 1.5 million years.

6. More than 1/2 of the world's active glaciers are in Alaska
More than 1/2 of the world's active glaciers are in Alaska The Aurora Borealis, or northern lights as they are commonly called, can be seen an average of 243 days a year in Fairbanks Juneau, the capital of Alaska, can not be accessed by road from the rest of the state!

7. Alaska contains 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the U. S
Alaska contains 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the U.S. Mount McKinley rises 20,320 feet above sea level and is the tallest mountain in North America. Its native and preferred name, "Denali", means the "The Great One" which it surely is.
Alaska is the only state to have coastlines on three different seas, the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.