Alaska is commonly known "the last frontier" -- it is the most northern of all the states. Alaska is lightly populated and there still exists opportunities for the free-spirited. Another name affectionately given to Alaska is "the land of the rising sun" due to the near brightness 24 hours a day seven days a week during the summer months. Alaska became the 49th state in 1959.
Origin of state’s name: The word Alaska comes from the Eskimo word Alakshak that means peninsula.
Capital city The state capital Juneau is named after the first gold miners to discover gold there -- Joe Juneau. Juneau has a population of just over 30,000 people and is characterized by beautiful scenery. Alaska is surrounded by oceans on three sides and Canada on one. The Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean are the three oceans. Nearly one third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle.
Population: Alaska has a population of just over 630,000 people based on the last census in 2000.
Driving Driver’s license information, applications, testing requirements, driver’s manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/
Agriculture and Industry The states economy is driven by agriculture and industry.
The fishing and seafood industry is the state's largest private industry employer.
Agriculture includes seafood, dairy, vegetables and livestock
Industry includes gold mining, tourism, food processing and wood and lumbar production
State Bird The Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse is the state bird and is not commonly found in other states except Alaska
State Tree The Sitka Spruce is the state tree and is characterized by sharp needle like needles.
State Flower The “Forget me not” or Myosotis Alpestris is the state flower that is known for its delicate beauty.
State Song The "Alaska Flag" is the state song that sings the praises of this great state.