Guide Note

Known as the Catherine Archipelagohe until the United States bought Alaska from Russia in 1867, the Aleutian Islands are a chain of over 300 volcanic islands in the Northern Pacific Ocean that forms an arc between Alaska and Russia.

Fast Facts

1. Total 2000 population: 8,162
2. Number of volcanoes: 57
3. Largest island: Unalaska Island
4. Largest city: Unalaska
5. Comprise the westernmost part of the U.S.
6. Westernmost extension of the Aleutians are the Komandorski Islands, or Commander Islands, which still belong to Russia
7. Main economic activity: Fishing
8. Only crop: Potatoes
9. U.S. citizenship extended to natives in 1924

The area surrounding the Aleutian Islands has been prone to earthquake activity over the years. A 6.6-magnitude quake occurred in May 2008, which was preceded by a 7.3 temblor in December 2007. A 7.8-magnitude quake created a Pacific-wide tsunami on April Fool's Day of 1946.