Alaska (/ əˈlæskə / ⓘ ə-LASS-kə) is a non-contiguous U.S. state on the northwest extremity of North America. Part of the Western United States region, it is one of the two non-contiguous U.S. states, alongside Hawaii.

States with five or fewer letters, plus Alaska and Hawaii, are never abbreviated. The United States may be abbreviated to U.S. when used as an adjective, but in formal writing, it’s customarily spelled out. Most often, and especially in casual writing, remove the periods to spell out the United States as US. Take The State Capital Quiz!

3 days ago · Alaska, constituent state of the United States of America. It was admitted to the union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959. Alaska lies at the extreme northwest of the North American continent, and the Alaska Peninsula is the largest peninsula in …

Feb 1, 2025 · The straightforward answer to the question “Is Alaska a state?” is a resounding yes. Alaska is indeed a constituent state of the United States of America, having been officially admitted to the Union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

Alaska is the biggest state in the United States, but it has one of the smallest populations. It is also the least densely populated: more than half of the population live in the Anchorage Metropolitan Area. Alaska has almost 20% of all the land in …

Sep 18, 2024 · With an area of 1,717,856 sq. km, Alaska is the largest and the 3 rd least populous state in the USA. Located in the extreme southeastern part of the state, at the base of Mount Juneau on the Gastineau Channel is Juneau – the capital city of Alaska.

Feb 23, 2025 · The simple answer to why Alaska is a state of the United States and not part of Canada lies in historical ownership and a strategic sale. Alaska was never part of Canada; instead, it was originally controlled by Russia.

Sep 12, 2018 · Despite the vastness, Alaska is not a country as it is not an independent sovereign state. Alaska is instead the 49 th State of the United States of America. On July 17, 1958, Alaska gained statehood leading to its proclamation as a state on January 3, 1959.

Jan 9, 2022 · Alaska belongs to the United States because it was purchased by the U.S. government from Russia in 1867. In 1725, Russia sent Vitus Bering on an expedition to explore the Alaskan coast. They claimed Alaska for Russia and took control of the area in the late 1700s. Russia was interested in the land because it is rich in natural resources.