Fairbanks is a home rule city within the state of Alaska, the forty-ninth state within the US. Fairbanks is likewise the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. With a population of 31,535, the city of Fairbanks is the second largest city within the state of Alaska, after Anchorage. It is the principal city of the Fairbanks, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area, that has a population of 97,581.
Fairbanks is nestled within the Tanana Valley at the convergence of the Tanana and the Chena Rivers. The city of Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks' southern border. South of the Tanana River is a 160 km stretch of marsh and bog that rises into the Alaska Range. On clear days these mountains are visible from Fairbanks. Towards the west and east are low valleys and ridges up to 910 m above sea level.
Fairbanks was prone to serious flooding in its early history. Flooding was caused by ice jams or heavy rainfalls during spring breakup. In the month of August 1967, a heavy rainfall caused the Chena River to flood practically the entire Fairbanks town. This devastating overnight flood started the creation of the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project. A 15 m dam and 13 km spillway were constructed in the Chena River. The purpose of the project was to redirect the Chena upstream from Fairbanks City into the Tanana River, and protect the city of Fairbanks from flooding in the future.
The city of Fairbanks is the home of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The city has a diverse economy. Government provides major jobs because of the fact that borough, city, state and federal government services are located here. Around 33 percent of the population is working in government services. Industries consist of transportation, mining, communication, manufacturing, medical and financial services. The region is home to Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright. Tourism is a strong sectors with about 325,000 people visiting the city of Fairbanks each year.