The Northern Region

A laska's Northern Region covers more than 146 thousand square miles or approximately a quarter of all the land area of Alaska. This huge piece of real estate contains only 24,000 individuals, or less than four percent of the state's population. Its inventory of natural resources includes the nation's largest oil fields, a resource that has generated more wealth for the state than any other single source. It was the site of the state's largest gold rush, and currently is home to the world's largest zinc mine. Geographically, it includes the North Slope and Northwest Arctic Boroughs and the Nome Census Area with a total of 35 communities. Only three of these communities have more than a thousand residents.