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The Yukon, often referred to simply as “Yukon,” is a territory in northwestern Canada known for its rugged mountains, high plateaus, and vast wilderness. The capital city is Whitehorse.[1] Yukon covers an area of approximately 186,272 square miles[2] (482,443 square kilometers). Yukon population in 2024 is estimated to be 45,227.[3]
Yukon’s economy is primarily driven by mining, with lead, zinc, silver, gold, and copper being the principal minerals.[4] Tourism is the second most important industry, attracting visitors with its colorful history and beautiful scenery.[5] The territory has seen rapid population growth, leading to a housing crisis in recent years.[6]
Yukon has three national parks, Kluane National Park and Reserve is known for its spectacular landscapes, including high mountain peaks, massive valley glaciers, and boreal forests, Ivvavik National Park[7] offers a pristine wilderness experience with opportunities to see diverse wildlife, and Vuntut National Park is known for its cultural significance and natural beauty. Yukon also has eight territorial parks which include Tombstone Territorial Park famous for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park known for its historical significance and unique Arctic environment, and Kusawa Territorial Park, Ni’iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park, Dàadzàii Vàn Territorial Park, Coal River Springs Territorial Park, Agay Mene Territorial Park, and Asi Keyi Territorial Park. Yukon is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, and the world’s largest non-polar icefield, the St. Elias Icefields.[8] It also boasts the smallest desert in the world, the Carcross Desert. The Yukon River, one of the longest rivers in Canada, flows through the territory.
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History of YukonHistory of Yukon
Yukon (along with Alaska) is the oldest continually inhabited part of North America, with the first people migrating across the Bering Strait land bridge at least 10,000 years ago. The Indigenous people in Yukon today include the Nahanni, Teslin, Tutchone, Tagish, Gwich’in and, in the Arctic north, the Inuit.
The history of the Yukon Territory in Canada is rich and multifaceted, reflecting its unique geographical and cultural landscape. The first European to explore the Yukon was British explorer John Franklin in 1825, who was seeking the Northwest Passage.[9] Sporadic European settlement followed, primarily driven by the fur trade. The Hudson’s Bay Company established trading posts in the region during the 19th century.[9]
The Yukon was originally part of the Northwest Territories, which was transferred from the Hudson Bay Company to Canada in 1870.[10] The discovery of gold in the Klondike region in 1896 led to a massive influx of prospectors and settlers, culminating in the famous Klondike Gold Rush.[11] Due to the rapid population growth and the need for administrative control, the Yukon was separated from the Northwest Territories and became its own territory on June 13, 1898.[12]
The economy of the Yukon in the 19th century was primarily driven by the fur trade and later by the gold rush.[13] The Klondike Gold Rush brought significant economic activity and population growth to the region.[14]
Early 20th Century: Mining continued to be a major economic driver in the early 20th century. The construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II further opened up the territory, facilitating transportation and trade.[15]
Agriculture: Agriculture in the Yukon has always been challenging due to the harsh climate and short growing season. However, during the Klondike Gold Rush, local farmers found a market for their produce among the influx of settlers.[16] By the mid-20th century, agriculture had declined due to competition from imported goods and the difficulty of farming in the northern environment. By the 1970s, however, a resurgence of interest in farming had taken place, bringing with it the formation of the Yukon Agriculture and Livestock Association.[16]
Demographics of YukonDemographics of Yukon
The demographic distribution of the Yukon population is as follows:
Yukon is one of Canada’s officially bilingual territories but also recognizes First Nations languages. About 20 percent of the population is of Aboriginal origin, and its capital is Whitehorse, where a majority of the population lives.[17] Yukon is the least populated territory and about 75% of the population live in its capital city Whiiehorse.[17] [18] First Nations people account for nearly a quarter of the territory's residents, one of the highest proportions of any Canadian province or territory. The population of the Yukon is also very multicultural, with its residents coming from all over the world.[18]
Most common surnames in YukonMost common surnames in Yukon
Researching family history in YukonResearching family history in Yukon
The Yukon Archives preserves letters, diaries, photographs, films, videos, sound recordings, maps, and architectural drawings. Many additional records about the Yukon Territory are available from the Library and Archives of Canada. The Yukon public library system has 15 branch libraries. Yukon Genealogy is part of the Yukon Archives.
Yukon administrative subdivisionsYukon administrative subdivisions
Yukon has one city, Whitehorse, and seven towns.[19] Whitehorse is the largest city and the capital of the Territory. The seven other municipalities are Carmacks, Dawson City, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Teslin, and Watson Lake.
Explore more about YukonExplore more about Yukon
- Records about Yukon Territory can be found in the MyHeritage.com Canada Collection.
References
- ↑ Yukon | History, Population, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ The Largest And Smallest Canadian Provinces/Territories By Area
- ↑ Yukon Population 2024
- ↑ Yukon, territory, Canada: Economy | Infoplease
- ↑ Find tourism and visitor statistics and reports
- ↑ How Yukon's booming economy and rapid population growth has led to a housing crisis
- ↑ Ivvavik National Park (canada.ca)
- ↑ Yukon Facts - 35 Facts About The Yukon That Will Amaze You
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Yukon summary | Britannica
- ↑ The History of Yukon | Shuttle Alaska
- ↑ What Was the Klondike Gold Rush? - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
- ↑ Yukon
- ↑ Yukon
- ↑ Klondike Gold Rush
- ↑ More than neighbors, a story of the North
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 About Yukon Agriculture | Yukon Agricultural Association
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Topic: Yukon
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Information About the Canadian Yukon Territory
- ↑ List of municipalities - Yukon