Yukon

Yukon is a territory in northwest Canada. Named after the Yukon River, it is the westernmost and northernmost region of the country and borders Alaska to the west, British Columbia to the south, and the Northwest Territories to the east. The capital and largest city is Whitehorse. Yukon covers about 482,000 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 42,000, making it one of the least densely populated places in Canada.

Geography and climate: The territory features rugged mountains, boreal forest, and tundra in the north. It contains many rivers and lakes, including the Yukon River. The climate ranges from subarctic in the south to polar in the far north, with long cold winters and short warm summers. Permafrost is common in northern areas.

History and culture: Indigenous peoples have inhabited Yukon for thousands of years. The late 19th century brought the Klondike Gold Rush, attracting prospectors to Dawson City and shaping the region’s development. Yukon was created as a Canadian territory in 1898, and Whitehorse became capital in 1953. Today the territory is home to diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and recognizes several Indigenous languages and self-government agreements.

Economy and landmarks: Mining, especially gold, has long been central to Yukon’s economy, complemented by tourism and government services. The Alaska Highway links Yukon with Alaska and the rest of Canada. Protected areas include Kluane National Park and Reserve, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans Yukon and Alaska.

Governance: Yukon operates as a parliamentary democracy within the Canadian constitutional framework. It has a Commissioner representing the Crown and a unicameral Legislative Assembly; the premier leads the government.