Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., but the least densely populated. According to the Census Bureau, approximately half of all residents of the state live in Anchorage. Due to having over 700,000 inhabitants, the city has a large number of rental homes and apartments. You can find a cabin in the wilderness here or a luxury apartment in busy downtown Anchorage.
Like Louisiana, Alaska does not delineate its regions by counties. For census purposes, the state is divided into 19 organized boroughs and one called the Unorganized Borough. Six unique governments exist, made up of consolidated city and county divisions. These are located in Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Yakutat, Wrangell and Anchorage. Located in the south central portion of Alaska, Anchorage offers unique art and automobile museums, wonderful parks and recreation areas and a multitude of walking trails. You can also take in the Alaska Zoo, the Alaska Botanical Gardens and many more cultural attractions while in Anchorage. Having no shortage of wide open spaces, Alaska offers adventurers unlimited choices for enjoying the great outdoors. Hiking, fishing and hunting are hugely popular in Alaska, but you can also visit a reindeer ranch, check out massive glaciers or take a whale-watching tour. Mountains, waterfalls and vast forests dot the entire state, but Anchorage is the epicenter of activity when it comes to nightlife and shopping.
Alaska's economy is predominantly driven by the natural gas, oil and fishing industries. Tourism and military bases are also a large part of Alaska's income. Popular jobs include those in the service, military and education sectors. The top four private employers in Alaska are Providence Health and Services, Walmart/Sam's Club, Carrs/Safeway and Fred Meyer. The top four public employers are Fort Richardson Army Base, the State of Alaska, the University of Alaska and the Anchorage School District.
