Fairbanks is a home rule city in the state of Alaska, the 49th state within the United States. The city of Fairbanks is also the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. With a population of approximately 31,500, Fairbanks is the second biggest city in the state of Alaska, next to Anchorage. It is the principal city of the Fairbanks, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of approximately 97,500.
The city of Fairbanks is nestled within the Tanana Valley at the convergence of the Tanana and the Chena Rivers. The city is bordered on its northern side by a chain of hills, beyond which lie the White Mountains and the Yukon River. The Tanana River forms the southern border of the city. South of the Tanana River is a 160 km stretch of bog and marsh which rises into the Alaska Range. On clear days these mountains can be seen from Fairbanks. To the west and east are low valleys and ridges up to 910 m above sea level.
During its history, the city of Fairbanks has been prone to serious flooding which have been caused by heavy rainfalls or by ice jams in spring breakup. In August 1967, a heavy rainfall caused the Chena River to flood almost the entire Fairbanks township. This devastating overnight flood triggered the creation of the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project. A 15 m dam and 13 km spillway were built in the Chena River. The purpose of the project was in order to divert the Chena upstream from Fairbanks City into the Tanana River, and protect Fairbanks City from a future flood.
Fairbanks is the home of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The city of Fairbanks has a diverse economy. Government provides significant work due to the fact that city, borough, federal and state government services are located here. Roughly 33 percent of the population is working in government services. Industries comprise mining, transportation, communication, manufacturing, financial, and medical services. The area is home to Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base. Tourism is a strong sectors with approximately 325,000 people visiting Fairbanks City on an annual basis.