The name "Alaska" is believed to have an Aleut origin: Alyeska, which means "greater land." A number of vessels have been named USS Alaska, in honor of the state. Its total population is 640,000.

Alaska was purchased by the United States from Russia for the amount of $7,200,000 [approximately $90,750,000 in 2005 dollars, adjusted for inflation], as initiated by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward on 9 April 1867. That same year, the United States raised its flag on the 18th of October [now called Alaska Day]. Alaska has manifested strong inclinations as a Republican state with strong Libertarian tendencies.

Seafood is the main export in Alaska. Agricultural production is mainly for consumption within the state, and manufacturing is limited, with the bulk of general goods imported from other places in the United States. Employment is concentrated on government services and industries such as natural resource extraction, shipping, and transportation. Tourismprovides a steady flow of income for the state.

Road transportation is still a problem within Alaska. Most cities in the state can be accessed only by sea or air. The state capital, Juneau, is not accessible by road, which has sparked several debates over the decades about moving the capital to a city on the road system. A method of transportation in Alaska, the dogsled, is better known as a sport than a transport mode.

• Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air