North Slope Borough

The North Slope is a region in Alaska stretching from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean, covered by tundra landscapes underlain with permafrost. Countless shallow lakes and streams form a complex web across the terrain.

The region gained international attention in 1968 following discovery of the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field. This discovery led to construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which transformed the area's economy.

Local communities follow traditional ways shaped by the extreme rhythm of Arctic seasons. Daily life here revolves around the land and the dramatic shifts between darkness and daylight.

The region remains disconnected from Alaska's main road system and requires specialized travel arrangements through small airports or waterways. Planning visits around the periods of extreme daylight or darkness helps with practical logistics.

Due to its location above the Arctic Circle, the region experiences 67 days of complete darkness in winter and 80 days of continuous daylight in summer. These extreme shifts in light define the rhythm of life here.

Location: Alaska

Inception: 1972

Capital city: Utqiagvik

Part of: organized borough

Shares border with: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Northwest Arctic Borough, Yukon

Website: http://north-slope.org

GPS coordinates: 69.30000,-153.45000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15