Alaska
Round Island, considered a sanctuary for Pacific walruses, Alaska, USA.
© WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER
© WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER
Polar bears, bald eagles, blue and humpback whales among others.
Alaska is the largest state of United States and one of the least populated. It is located in the extreme northwest of the North American continent, and along with Hawaii is one of only 2 non-contiguous states in the United States. Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7,200,000.
Why?
Alaska is larger than California, Texas and Montana combined, and its topography is so gigantic and rugged that a private plane is preferable to a car in many areas. This state is a showcase of the extremes of nature, and is dotted with glaciers, lakes, rivers, mountain ranges, volcanoes and fjords. Covered by water on 3 sides, it has a coastline which is larger than that of all the other 49 states combined.
Mount McKinley which stands at 6,194 m is Alaska’s and North America’s highest mountain peak. Pribilof or Fur Seal Islands, which is a group of 4 volcanic islands in the Bering Sea are also major tourist attractions. Kodiak Islands are the largest of Alaska and the 2nd largest of United States after the state of Hawaii.
Alaska is one of the few places left in the world where one can spot polar bears, bald eagles, blue and humpback whales, orcas, lynx and hundreds of other rare and endangered species in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
