Alaska, Zimbabwe
| Alaska | |
|---|---|
  Alaska Location in Zimbabwe | |
| Coordinates: 17°22′30″S 30°03′54″E / 17.37500°S 30.06500°E | |
| Country |
 Zimbabwe |
| Province | Mashonaland West |
| Districts of Zimbabwe | Makonde District |
| Municipality | Alaska Municipality |
| Elevation | 3,900 ft (1,200 m) |
| Population (2004 Estimate) | |
| • Total | 4,575 |
| Climate | Cwa |
Alaska is a small town in Zimbabwe.
Location
It is located in Makonde District, Mashonaland West Province in central northern Zimbabwe. Its location lies approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi), by road, west of the city of Chinhoyi, the location of the district and provintial headquarters.[1] Approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the northeast of Alaska are the Chinhoyi Caves in the Chinhoyi Caves National Park, a local tourist attraction.[2] The coordinates of Alaska, Zimbabwe are:17° 22' 30.00"S, 30° 3' 54.00"E (Latitude:-17.3750; Longitude:30.0650). The town sits at an elevation of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), above sea level.
Overview
The area around Alaska, Zimbabwe is rich in copper. The copper mine that was the foundation of the town, has since closed. However, other mines in the district still mine copper which is brought to Alaska for smelting and refining.
History
The town grew up around the old Alaska Mine which started mining copper in 1959. Alaska was probably called after the rich goldfields discovered in Alaska, North America around the same time. The mine is currently closed.
Population
According to the 1982 Population Census, the town had a population of 3,854. In 2004, the population of the town was estimated at 4,575 people.[3] The next national population census in Zimbabwe is scheduled from 18 August 2012 through 28 August 2012.[4]
See also
References
Coordinates: 17°22′30″S 30°03′54″E / 17.37500°S 30.06500°E