Bethel Census Area Map, Alaska
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Bethel Census Area, Alaska
Bethel Census Area is in western Alaska, along the Kuskokwim River. About 18,000 people live here, mostly Yup’ik Eskimo. Bethel is the main town and a hub for many smaller villages.
There are no roads connecting to the rest of Alaska. People travel by plane, boat, or snowmobile. Subsistence hunting and fishing are still important here. The land is mostly flat tundra with lots of lakes and rivers. The area faces challenges like erosion and melting permafrost.
Winters are long and cold, while summers are short but bring nearly 24-hour daylight. Despite modern changes, many people still speak Yup’ik and practice traditional ways. Bethel has a hospital that serves the whole region. Salmon fishing is a big part of the economy. The Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race starts and ends in Bethel each January.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Bethel Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Bethel |
| Population | Approximately 18,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bethel, Akiachak, Akiak, Atmautluak, Chefornak, Eek, Goodnews Bay, Hooper Bay, Kipnuk, Kongiganak, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Lower Kalskag, Mekoryuk, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Nunapitchuk, Oscarville, Quinhagak, Platinum, Toksook Bay, Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, Tununak, Upper Kalskag |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates or major highways in the census area) |
| FIPS Code | 02-050 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 45,504 square miles (Land: 40,569 sq mi, Water: 4,935 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Kusilvak Census Area (Northwest), Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (North), Matanuska-Susitna Borough (East), Kenai Peninsula Borough (Southeast), Lake and Peninsula Borough (South), Dillingham Census Area (South) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 60.7922° N, 161.7558° W |
| Etymology | Named after the city of Bethel, which was named by missionaries who settled in the area |
| Major Landmarks | Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kuskokwim River, Nunivak Island, Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race |
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