Arizona - The Grand Canyon State

About Arizona

Arizona is a southwestern state with a population of 7.4 million, making it the fourteenth-most populous state despite being the sixth-largest by area. The state capital and largest city is Phoenix, with 1.6 million residents and a metropolitan area exceeding 4.9 million people, making it the fifth-largest metro in the nation. Arizona was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, becoming the 48th state on February 14, 1912 (Valentine's Day).

Arizona is world-famous for the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, attracting nearly 6 million visitors annually. Beyond the Grand Canyon, Arizona features diverse landscapes including the Sonoran Desert (the most biologically diverse desert in North America), mountain forests, red rock formations of Sedona, and the Painted Desert.

Arizona has experienced tremendous population growth, particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, making it one of the fastest-growing states. The state has a diverse economy including tourism, copper mining (largest US producer), aerospace and defense, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Arizona is unique in that it does not observe Daylight Saving Time (except the Navajo Nation). The state has significant Native American heritage with 22 federally recognized tribes and the largest Native American population of any state.

Major Cities

Natural Wonders & National Parks

Arizona is home to some of America's most spectacular natural landmarks:

• Grand Canyon National Park: One of Seven Natural Wonders, 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, 1 mile deep
• Petrified Forest National Park: Fossilized trees over 200 million years old, Painted Desert
• Saguaro National Park: Protects iconic giant saguaro cacti, symbol of American Southwest
• Sedona Red Rocks: Stunning red sandstone formations, hiking, arts community, spiritual destination
• Monument Valley: Iconic buttes and mesas, Navajo Nation, featured in countless films
• Antelope Canyon: Stunning slot canyon with light beams, photographer's paradise
• Havasu Falls: Turquoise waterfalls in Havasupai Reservation, remote paradise

Economy & Industry

Arizona has a diverse, growing economy with major sectors:

• Tourism: Grand Canyon, national parks, resorts, golf, hiking - major economic driver bringing 45+ million visitors annually
• Copper Mining: Largest copper producer in US, historic mining towns, Morenci and other major mines
• Aerospace & Defense: Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan AFB, Raytheon, aerospace manufacturing
• Technology & Manufacturing: Intel (largest private employer), semiconductor manufacturing, data centers
• Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, medical research, retirement community services
• Agriculture: Lettuce, cotton, cattle, citrus, dates in Yuma (winter vegetable capital)
• Real Estate & Construction: Rapid growth drives construction, development, real estate services

Native American Heritage

Arizona has the third-largest Native American population and richest indigenous heritage:

Interesting Facts

Neighboring States & Borders

Also borders: Mexico (Sonora) to the South | Four Corners with Colorado