10 things you didn’t know about Alaska

Most of us are pretty oblivious about the American state of Alaska, including the fact that it's part of America. We thought we'd set the record straight.
1. It’s the largest American state, and although it’s part of the continent, there’s very little known and a lot presumed about Alaska. So here’s a quick fact-check.

2. Alaska is home to 17 of the tallest 20 mountains in the U.S. and 7 of the 9 largest national parks in the U.S.
3. Most of Alaska – 75 per cent – is inaccessible by car, including the state capitol, Juneau, which can only be reached by boat or plane.

4. Each December, the Alaskan post office at the North Pole receives thousands ofletters addressed to Santa Claus.

5. Most reptiles can not survive in the Alaskan climate, so the state is free of cockroaches, termites, bees and even snakes.

6. The Alaskan flag bears eight stars of gold on a field of blue. It was designed in 1926by 13-year-old Bennie Benson – it represents the seven stars form the Big Dipper constellation while the eighth is the North Star.

7. Yes, Alaska is known for its bone-chilling temperatures as low as -79.8 degrees. However, it is lesser known that it once reached a record-breaking 100 degrees nearly a hundred years ago.

8. Dog mushing (sledding) was used as a way of transport in the early days. Today it is Alaska’s official sport.

9. Anchorage, Alaska, which happens to be the northernmost city in the United States, has more espresso stands per capita than any other city in the U.S.

10. Alaska's state mineral is gold.