Alaska, Zimbabwe

Alaska
Alaska

Location in Zimbabwe

Coordinates: 17°22′30″S 30°03′54″E / 17.37500°S 30.06500°E / -17.37500; 30.06500
Country Zimbabwe
Province Mashonaland West
Districts of Zimbabwe Makonde District
Municipality Alaska Municipality
Elevation 3,900 ft (1,200 m)
Population (2002)
 • Total 3,846
Climate Cwa

Alaska is a small town in central northern Zimbabwe in Makonde District, Mashonaland West Province.

Location

The town is located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west of the city of Chinhoyi, the location of the district and provincial 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 town sits at an elevation of 1,180 metres (3,870 ft), above sea level.[1]

History

Alaska is named for and grew up around the eponymous Alaska Mine, which started producing copper in 1959. Other mines in the district also produced copper which was brought to Alaska for smelting and refining.[1] The mine and its associated smelter closed in 1998, devastating the local economy and plunging the town's inhabitants into poverty. Periodic reports of Chinese investment reopening the mine and smelter have not come to fruition.[3]

Population

According to the 1982 Population Census, the town had a population of 3,854.[1] By 2002 its population stood at 3,846 people.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Encyclopedia Zimbabwe (2nd ed.). Worcester: Arlington Business Corporation. 1989. ISBN 0-9514505-0-6.
  2. ↑ Map Showing Alaska And Chinhoyi Caves With Distance Marker
  3. ↑ "Misery stalks former copper miners". Financial Gazette. Zimbabwe. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  4. ↑ "Zimbabwe - Population Census 2002". Central Statistical Office (CSO) – Government of Zimbabwe. p. 145. Retrieved 1 November 2016.

Coordinates: 17°22′30″S 30°03′54″E / 17.37500°S 30.06500°E / -17.37500; 30.06500

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