TheYukon–Kuskokwim Delta is ariver delta located where theYukon andKuskokwim rivers empty into theBering Sea on the west coast of the U.S. state ofAlaska. At approximately 129,500 square kilometers (50,000 sq mi) in size,[1] it is one of the largest deltas in the world.[2][3] It is larger than theMississippi River Delta (which varies between 32,400 and 122,000 square kilometers or 12,500 and 47,100 sq mi);[1] it is comparable in size to the entire U.S. state ofLouisiana (135,700 square kilometers or 52,400 sq mi).[4] The delta, which consists mainly oftundra, is protected as part of theYukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
The delta has approximately 25,000 residents. 85% of these areAlaska Natives:Yupik andAthabaskan people. The main population center and service hub is the city ofBethel, with an estimated population of around 6,219 (as of 2011).[5] Bethel is surrounded by 49 smaller villages, with the largest villages consisting of over 1000 people. Most residents live a traditionalsubsistence lifestyle ofhunting,fishing, andgathering. More than 30 percent have cash incomes well below the federalpoverty threshold.
The area has virtually no roads; travel is bybush plane, or riverboats in summer andsnowmachines in winter.
Bethel is the location of the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center.[6]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
