How Big Is Alaska Compared to Russia?
When it comes to landmass, Alaska and Russia are two giants that dominate their respective territories. Alaska is the largest state in the United States, while Russia holds the title for the largest country in the world. But just how big is Alaska compared to Russia? Let’s delve into the details and explore the vastness of these two regions.
Alaska, situated in the northwest corner of North America, covers a staggering area of approximately 663,300 square miles (1,717,856 square kilometers). It stretches over 2,261 miles (3,639 kilometers) from north to south, and about 1,420 miles (2,285 kilometers) from east to west. With such vast dimensions, Alaska boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, tundra, glaciers, and a vast coastline.
On the other hand, Russia, situated in both Eastern Europe and northern Asia, spans an immense area of around 6,601,668 square miles (17,098,242 square kilometers). It extends over 11 time zones, stretching from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. Russia’s landmass covers about one-eighth of Earth’s inhabited land area, making it the largest country globally, encompassing diverse landscapes, including vast plains, forests, mountains, and deserts.
To put it into perspective, Alaska covers roughly 2.4% of Russia’s total land area, making it less than a fraction of Russia’s vast expanse. However, despite its smaller size, Alaska is still larger than many countries worldwide, including Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina.
FAQs:
1. Is Alaska bigger than Russia?
No, Alaska is not bigger than Russia. Russia is the largest country globally, covering a landmass more than ten times the size of Alaska.
2. How does Alaska compare to the contiguous United States?
Alaska is more than twice the size of the contiguous United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). It is approximately 1/5th of the total land area of the United States.
3. Which country is closer to Alaska: Russia or Canada?
Russia is geographically closer to Alaska than Canada. The distance between the two at their closest point is about 55 miles (88 kilometers) across the Bering Strait.
4. How long would it take to drive from one end of Alaska to the other?
Driving from the northernmost point to the southernmost point of Alaska would take roughly 48 hours straight, covering approximately 1,420 miles (2,285 kilometers).
5. How does Alaska’s population compare to Russia’s?
As of 2021, Alaska has an estimated population of around 731,545 people, whereas Russia has a population of over 145 million people. Therefore, Alaska has a significantly smaller population compared to Russia.
6. Can you see Russia from Alaska?
On a clear day, it is possible to see the Russian mainland from several islands in the Bering Strait. However, due to the distance, the visibility is limited.
7. How did Alaska become part of the United States?
Alaska was purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, which translates to roughly 2 cents per acre. This purchase is known as the Alaska Purchase or Seward’s Folly, named after the U.S. Secretary of State at the time, William Seward.
In conclusion, while Alaska is the largest state in the United States, it pales in comparison to the vastness of Russia. Russia’s colossal size makes it the largest country globally, covering an area more than ten times that of Alaska. However, Alaska’s significant dimensions still make it larger than many countries worldwide, illustrating the immense scale of this remarkable state.