North Slope Borough, Alaska
North Slope Borough is located in the northernmost part of Alaska, stretching from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean. It is a vast region, roughly the size of Minnesota, but has a population of only around 10,000 people.
Most residents live in Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, which is the northernmost town in the United States. Oil is a major industry in the borough, with Prudhoe Bay located within the region. The landscape is mostly flat tundra and remains frozen for much of the year. Winters are long and dark, with the sun not rising for several weeks. Summers bring nearly constant daylight, although temperatures remain cool.
Many residents are Iñupiat and continue to practice traditional hunting and whaling. Wildlife in the area includes polar bears, caribou, and whales. The borough is extremely remote, with no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska. Climate change is a major concern, but the region continues to maintain a strong sense of community.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Borough Name | North Slope Borough |
| Borough Seat | Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) |
| Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Utqiaġvik, Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Dalton Highway serves the area) |
| FIPS Code | 02-185 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 94,796 square miles (Land: 88,695 sq mi, Water: 6,101 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (Southeast), Northwest Arctic Borough (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 71.2906° N, 156.7886° W |
| Etymology | Named after its geographical location on the northernmost edge (slope) along the Brooks Range. |
| Major Landmarks | Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields, Point Barrow, Teshekpuk Lake, Iñupiat Heritage Center |
