Alaska is divided into 149 municipalities, ranging from the geographically small Bristol Bay (519 sq mi or 1,344 sq km) to the expansive North Slope (87,860 sq mi or 227,557 sq mi). In 2002, there were 12 counties in the state. Most municipalities were governed by elected mayors and councils, and more than 100 village councils. Juneau, Sitka, and Anchorage, Alaska's three unified municipalities, have consolidated city and borough functions. There are 43 public school systems in Alaska. The state has 14 special districts.
In 1971 land claims were settled, returning 44 million acres of federal land to Alaska's native population. Through the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, native communities receive varying levels of assistance including help in setting up villages in accordance with governing laws.