Why Is Alaska in a Box?
A little box on a map can make Alaska's location confusing. Map pictures and written facts work together to explain where Alaska really is.
Play the quiz as a gameWhere is Alaska? On some maps of the United States, Alaska sits in a little box near the bottom. Does that mean Alaska is far south? No! The box can trick your eyes.
The words under the heading “A Box Saves Space” explain the box. Alaska is far from the other 48 states that are grouped together. The box helps the map fit on a page.
A second map shows Alaska in its real place. In this picture, Canada is beside Alaska, to the east. A line marks their border, the place where the two lands meet.
The words beside this map tell us something else. Alaska is a state in the United States. It is northwest of those 48 states. You cannot learn which country Alaska belongs to just from its shape.
The caption says, “Alaska is not really in the little box.” Look at the map and read the words. Together, they help you find Alaska without being fooled by the box.