North Slope Borough

North Slope Borough is the northernmost borough in Alaska and in the United States, situated north of the Arctic Circle. As of 2020, the population was 11,031. The borough is characterized by vast, uninhabited tundra and is home to a predominantly Iñupiat Eskimo population residing in eight widely-separated villages. Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, serves as the borough seat and largest city, and is the northernmost settlement in the United States. The economy of North Slope Borough is heavily reliant on the oil industry, particularly the Prudhoe Bay region. Property taxes on oil infrastructure form the primary funding source for borough operations and capital projects. While some residents are directly employed in the oilfields, the borough's economy also includes local government, education, health services, and support for scientific research and tourism. The North Slope Borough government plays a crucial role in providing essential services and infrastructure to its remote communities. North Slope Borough is distinctive for its Iñupiat culture, which has thrived for thousands of years in the Arctic. The borough was established in 1972 following the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, marking a significant step in Indigenous self-determination. The borough's government has enabled the Iñupiat to capture and utilize oil wealth for local benefit while also working to preserve their cultural heritage and traditional way of life.