Southcentral: Alaska's most populated region.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: REGIONAL REVIEW - City overview

Southcentral extends from Canada to the western shores of Cook Inlet and from the Alaska Range south to the Gulf of Alaska. It is a geographically diverse area, featuring rugged coastlines with prolific bays and fjords, national parks, agricultural lands, oil and natural gas fields, forests, glaciers, lakes and streams.

Southcentral is home to about half of the state's population, which is concentrated in the Municipality of Anchorage. South of Anchorage lies the Kenai Peninsula, with its popular communities of Seward, Soldotna, Kenai and Homer. To the north of Anchorage sits the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, which includes Palmer, Wasilla and Talkeetna. Other communities in the region are Valdez, Cordova and Whittier, on the east and west sides of Prince William Sound.

The Southcentral region has an abundance of wildlife, including black and brown bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, fox, lynx, wolves, coyotes and bald eagles. During the month of May, migratory birds such as trumpeter swans, loons, geese and ducks are a common sight. In Prince William Sound, humpback, killer and gray whales can be spotted, while beluga whales are more unique to Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm.

The relatively mild weather in Southcentral makes wildlife viewing a pleasant summertime experience. In the summer, there are clear skies and temperatures that reach the 70s. During winter, average temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

ANCHORAGE, THE ECONOMIC HUB OF THE REGION AND STATE

Anchorage is the economic, transportation and medical hub for the Southcentral region and the entire state. With a population of more than 290,000, it encompasses more than 40 percent of the Alaska's total population. (Only New York has a higher percentage of residents who live in the state's largest city.)

With its blend of urban amenities and nature, Anchorage is a special place, says Mayor Dan Sullivan, a fourth-generation Alaskan. It offers breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and Sleeping Lady, as well as access to ample parks and open spaces.

"We have more park land per capita than virtually any city in the nation," Sullivan said. "We have world-class bike systems and enough green places where people don't feel like they live in a big city."

Anchorage boasts an array of attractions to engage residents and visitors. It has three municipal facilities that host major concerts, trade shows and conventions: the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center and the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. In terms of sporting events, the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicks off its ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage on Fourth Avenue the first Saturday of March each year...