10 Facts about Alaska

Historic meaning, original priorities and an interesting law about bears: how many facts about Alaska did you already know?

Not all of them are this random, but they are all good to fill the next awkward small-talk break. You’re welcome!

1. Keyword Instagram

While it is usually legal to hunt bears in Alaska, one thing remains strictly out of bounds: waking one of the furry creatures to take a picture #nophoto

2. Late success for Alaska’s most famous writer: Lucia Berlin

She was born in 1936 in Juneau and lived an eventful life in several countries. She was appreciated, sometimes even worshipped, in literary circles. The broad public discovered her in 2015 (she passed away in 2004) and even made it onto the bestseller list of the New York Times.

3. For a little gold, the Little Tramp could have eaten potatoes instead of a shoe

The price of potatoes might not have quite reached the worth of gold but the situation during the Klondike-gold rush forced many adventurers to buy potatoes (and the included sought-after Vitamin C) with actual gold.

4. The inhabitants of Kivalina could be the first climate change refugees

Their collective lawsuit against several energy giants was repelled by the Supreme Court and the 400 inhabitants could soon be forced to leave their home. Kivalina, situated around 130 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and only 4 metres above sea level could be inhospitable in 10 years – as a direct result of climate change.

5. Without plastic, the Greenland whales might already be extinct

Around 100 years ago, the population of Greenland whales that were traditionally hunted in Alaska was dangerously low. The reason: their 4.5 metre long whalebones were perfect for fashioning corsets and very high in demand.

6. Hotspot Attu

Strategically trivial but symbolically important: the island Attu, part of the Aleutian islands was occupied by the Japanese in 1942 and was the first and only occupied area in northern American territory (not counting territory overseas).

7. Alaskas population density when applied to Manhatten: 30 inhabitants

We all know that Alaska is not densely populated. But the comparison to a highly packed city is still incredible – especially considering that Manhattan actually has around 1.67 million inhabitants.

8. The average temperature in Anchorage is around 2.7 °C (37 °F)

Statistically speaking, the warmest week is usually the third week of July, when temperatures rise to an incredible 20 °C (68 °F). The comparison: Berlin had an average of 10.4 °C in 2017.

9. Streets in and around Juneau literally lead nowhere

This is no surprise since Juneau (the only capital of a US-state) is actually not accessible by car, but only by plane and ship. The city makes up for it by its proximity to the stunning glacial fjord Tracy Arm.

10. Can you be full from a beautiful view?

A recent article featured by the Anchorage Daily News (»In Alaska, we ‘eat the view’«) said that this is actually true – although not quite literally: The most important traditional and regional produce (like wild salmon, elk, berries, mushrooms and mussels) grows best in a wild, untouched landscape.