Alaska is far to the north, leaving it dark and cold in the winter, light all night in the summer, and pretty far away from everywhere else. You have to drive most of week through Canada, and cross an international border, to get to Washington, or sail on the ferry for days or weeks. With so much distance between Alaska and the rest of the U.S., life in the north lacks a lot in convenience. But that also keeps life a little simpler. See this list of the things Alaska doesn’t have, or doesn’t have much of, and you’ll love the Great Land even more.
Although it is mentioned in the political arena from time to time, Alaska has still escaped having a sales tax. It is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax. There are some local sales taxes in individual towns, however.
There is no Alaskan professional football team, although high schools across the state turn out excellent college level players. The state sport of Alaska is dog mushing, much more conducive to the climate.
Well, we aren't that happy about this one, but aside from the state fairs Alaska doesn't have much in the man-made, high speed thrills department. If you need a rush, try whitewater rafting or ziplining through the forest.
The full border of the eastern side of Alaska is the Alaskan-Canadian International border. But our neighboring country is absolutely beautiful and it's always wonderful to take the long drive south.
There is one specific way you can see Alaska from Russia: From Little Diomede to Big Diomede, two windswept islands in the Bering Sea, is only a 2 mile distance and the international border runs between them. Otherwise, it isn't an easy vista. This means there is a little more distance for international shipping routes.
There are no snakes in Alaska! They just can't handle the cold. Unless they are in a pet store or under a heat lamp all the time, you are safe from anything slithering through the grass.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Alaska is 100 °F in Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915. There haven't been any days of hundred plus weather ever. Those baking in the desert are always welcome to the cool breezes of Alaska.
Alaska is divided into 19 organized boroughs and one unorganized borough, as opposed to counties in the rest of the U.S. Just another things that makes us special.
