Diomede is a census‑designated place (CDP) situated on the western coast of Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait, within the Nome Census Area of the U.S. state of Alaska. The community lies approximately 25 kilometers (16 mi) from the International Date Line and 45 kilometers (28 mi) east of the larger, Russian‑administered Big Diomede Island. The settlement is the only inhabited locality on Little Diomede Island.
Geography
- Location: Latitude 65°45′N, Longitude 168°57′W.
- Area: The CDP encompasses a total area of about 0.86 km² (0.33 sq mi), all of which is land; the island itself is roughly 3.5 km (2.2 mi) long and 2.8 km (1.7 mi) wide.
- Climate: Diomede has a polar climate (Köppen ET), characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average annual temperature hovers around –5 °C (23 °F).
Population
- According to the 2020 United States Census, Diomede had a resident population of 84 individuals, a decline from the 115 recorded in the 2010 census.
- The community’s inhabitants are predominantly of Iñupiat descent, the indigenous people of the region.
History
- The island was named by Russian explorer Vitus Bering in 1728 after Saint Diomedes.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the settlement served as a seasonal fishing and hunting camp for the Iñupiat.
- A permanent school and a post office were established in the mid‑20th century, consolidating the community’s year‑round habitation.
Infrastructure and Services
- Transportation: Diomede is accessible only by small aircraft; a single airstrip (Diomede Airport, IATA: DMD) provides scheduled service from Deadhorse and Kotzebue. No regular ferry service exists due to ice conditions.
- Utilities: The community relies on diesel generators for electricity, a satellite communications system for telephone and internet, and a subsistence‑based water supply drawn from local wells.
- Education: The Diomede School, operated by the Bering Strait School District, serves elementary and middle‑school grades; high‑school students typically attend boarding schools on the Alaska mainland.
Economy
The local economy is primarily subsistence‑based, with hunting of marine mammals (seal, walrus), fishing, and gathering of local flora. Limited cash income is generated through seasonal government employment, educational services, and occasional tourism—mainly adventurous travelers and researchers interested in the Bering Strait region.
Governance
Diomede is part of the Unorganized Borough of Alaska; local affairs are administered by a city‑type municipal organization that works closely with the North Slope Borough for certain services and with the State of Alaska for education, health, and infrastructure support.
Cultural Significance
The community maintains traditional Iñupiat cultural practices, including seasonal hunting festivals, language preservation programs, and oral history projects.
References
- United States Census Bureau, “2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File.”
- Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, Bering Strait School District reports.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Climate data for Little Diomede Island.
All information presented is derived from publicly available government and reputable secondary sources.
