Official Language: English.
Currency: : US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The poet, Carl Sandburg, called Chicago the ‘City of Big Shoulders’. The city needs them, because it hoists a world - a world of ethnic and religious diversity, world-class educational institutions and shopping, plus commerce and industry enveloped within incomparable architecture. Most cities pale in comparison to this urban enclave whose stunning skyline erupts from the western shores of Lake Michigan.

The modern city focuses on the area known as the Loop, where the raised metropolitan railway (known as the ‘El’ or ‘L’) circles the central Downtown business and shopping district. The city stretches north, south, and west, the east side being the lake. Chicago is one of the most culturally diverse cities both in the USA and in the world. Over 50 languages are spoken here. One can easily gauge the city’s multitude of cultures just by checking the its list of annual ethnic parades and festivals.
Today, the city’s economy no longer relies upon the heavy industries of steel production or meatpacking. Instead, it leans toward communications, information technology and financial institutions as well as research and development both in commerce and in its academic faculties.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) is served by seven international carriers and 15 domestic carriers.
Fairbanks International (FBK) is the state’s second-largest airport and has direct services from a number of North American gateways.
Ketchikan International (KTN) sits on Gravina Island just across from the city; a small ferry runs from the airport to just above the State ferry dock.
Juneau International (JNU) is located 14km (9 miles) north of Juneau.

Public Holidays 2005:
Jan 1 New Year's Day.
Jan 17 Martin Luther King Day.
Feb 21 Presidents’ Day.
May 30 Memorial Day.
Jun 14 Flag Day.
Jul 4 Independence Day.
Sep 5 Labor Day.
Oct 10 Columbus Day.
Nov 11 Veterans’ Day.
Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day.
Dec 25 Christmas Day.

From Chicago-
to Anchorage is 7 hours,
to Honolulu is 9 hours 20 minutes,
to London is 8 hours 40 minutes,
to Los Angeles is 4 hours 20 minutes,
to Miami is 3 hours, to Montréal is 2 hours,
to New York is 2 hours 5 minutes,
to Toronto is 1 hour 30 minutes,
to Vancouver is 4 hours 30 minutes and
to Washington, DC is 1 hour 50 minutes.