Basic Information
Arizona, located in the southwestern United States, is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural history.
Capital
- Phoenix
Largest City
- Phoenix
Area
- 113,990 sq mi
Population
- 7.28 million (2020)
Demographics
Arizona's population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic and Native American presence.
Ethnic Composition
- White:54.4%
- Hispanic:31.7%
- Native American:5.4%
- African American:5.2%
- Asian:3.6%
Languages
- English:72.9%
- Spanish:21.6%
- Native American Languages:2.8%
- Other:2.7%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:23.3%
- 18-64:61.4%
- 65+:15.3%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:1.3%
- Natural Increase:50,000
- Migration:45,000
Economy
Arizona's economy is driven by tourism, aerospace, manufacturing, and mining, among other sectors.
GDP
- $401 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Tourism
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Mining
Employment Rate
- Employed:95.6%
- Unemployment:4.4%
Major Companies
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Freeport-McMoRan
- Republic Services
- Avnet
Climate
Arizona has an arid to semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, varying across the state.
Northern Arizona
- Avg. Summer:85°F
- Avg. Winter:40°F
- Rainfall:15 inches/year
Central Arizona
- Avg. Summer:105°F
- Avg. Winter:50°F
- Rainfall:10 inches/year
Southern Arizona
- Avg. Summer:100°F
- Avg. Winter:55°F
- Rainfall:12 inches/year
Visiting Arizona
Arizona offers a variety of attractions, from natural wonders to historical sites, making it a diverse destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring:March-May
- Fall:September-November
- Peak Season:October-April (for snowbirds)
Transportation
- Major Airports:2
- Train Routes:Amtrak Southwest Chief
- Highway System:80,000 miles
Accommodation
- Hotels:7,000+
- Camping Sites:20,000+
- Average Hotel Rate:$130/night
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:30+
- Tourism Website:Arizona Office of Tourism
- Info Hotline:1-866-275-5816
Popular Attractions
Arizona's attractions range from natural wonders to historical sites.
Natural Landmarks
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Sedona's Red Rocks
- Saguaro National Park
- Monument Valley
Historical Sites
- Tombstone
- Mission San Xavier del Bac
- Navajo National Monument
- London Bridge (Lake Havasu City)
Urban Attractions
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Scottsdale's Old Town
- Biosphere 2
- Heard Museum
Engineering Marvels
- Hoover Dam
- Glen Canyon Dam
- Meteor Crater
History
Arizona's history is marked by early Native American settlements, Spanish exploration, territorial status, and statehood.
Early History
- Native Peoples:12,000+ years
- Spanish Exploration:1540
- Mexican Territory:1821
19th Century
- Gadsden Purchase:1853
- Territorial Status:1863
- Mining Boom
20th Century
- Statehood:1912
- World War II Impact
- Tourism Growth
Recent History
- Urban Expansion
- Technological Development
- Cultural Preservation
State Symbols
Arizona has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.
State Animals
-
State Animal:Ringtail
-
State Bird:Cactus Wren
-
State Fish:Apache Trout
-
State Reptile:Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake
State Plants
-
State Flower:Saguaro Blossom
-
State Tree:Palo Verde
Cultural Symbols
-
State Colors:Blue and Gold
-
State Song:"Arizona"
-
State Motto:"Ditat Deus" (God Enriches)
Other Symbols
-
State Gemstone:Turquoise
-
State Fossil:Petrified Wood
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Arizona that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Humphreys Peak (12,633 ft)
-
Longest River:Colorado River
-
Largest Lake:Roosevelt Lake
-
Lowest Point:Colorado River (70 ft)
Records & Rankings
- Home to the Grand Canyon
- Most national parks and monuments
- Significant Native American populations
Notable Firsts
- First air-conditioned shopping mall (Phoenix)
- Significant contributions to astronomy
- Early development of copper mining
Unique Features
- Diverse desert landscapes
- Rich Native American cultural heritage
- Growing urban centers and tourism
Government & Politics
Arizona has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Katie Hobbs (as of 2023)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Republican, shifting trends
Key Political Issues
- Water Rights
- Immigration
- Education Funding
- Economic Development
Time Zones
Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, without daylight saving time.
Standard Time
- Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC -7)
Daylight Saving
- Does not observe daylight saving time
Education
Arizona has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Systems
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona (UA)
- Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Notable Private Institutions
- Grand Canyon University (GCU)
- Prescott College
K-12 System
- Public school system with local control
Key Educational Initiatives
- Charter school growth
- STEM education focus
- Tribal education initiatives
Culture & Festivals
Arizona's cultural scene is rich with Native American traditions, Western heritage, and diverse arts festivals.
Major Festivals
- Arizona State Fair
- Scottsdale Arts Festival
- Celebration of Fine Art (Scottsdale)
- Various Native American cultural events
Music & Arts
- Heard Museum (Native American art)
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Various local art walks and events
Regional Traditions
- Western lifestyle and rodeos
- Native American cultural celebrations
- Outdoor recreational activities
Sports & Teams
Arizona has a strong sports culture, with professional teams and significant local interest.
MLB Teams
- Arizona Diamondbacks
NFL Teams
- Arizona Cardinals
NBA Teams
- Phoenix Suns
NHL Teams
- Arizona Coyotes
Notable Sporting Events
- Phoenix Open (PGA Tour)
- Spring Training baseball
- Various college sports events
Cuisine & Local Specialties
Arizona cuisine features Mexican-inspired dishes, Southwestern flavors, and Native American culinary traditions.
Signature Dishes
- Sonoran Hot Dogs
- Fry Bread (Native American)
- Chimichangas
- Prickly Pear products
Mexican Cuisine
- Authentic Mexican and Sonoran dishes
- Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas
Agricultural Products
- Citrus fruits, dates, pecans, cotton
- Various locally grown vegetables
Local Markets
- Farmers markets in major cities
- Local food festivals
Infrastructure
Arizona's infrastructure includes transportation networks, water management systems, and energy facilities.
Highway System
- Extensive network of state and interstate highways
Public Transportation
- Light rail in Phoenix
- Regional airports and Amtrak services
Water Management
- Colorado River water allocation
- Aqueducts and water storage systems
Energy & Utilities
- Mix of natural gas, nuclear, and solar power
- Water and sewage systems managed by local governments
Notable Historical Figures
Arizona has produced many influential figures in history, arts, and sciences.
Historical Leaders
- Geronimo (Native American leader)
- Barry Goldwater (politician)
- Sandra Day O'Connor (Supreme Court Justice)
Arts & Sciences
- Frank Lloyd Wright (architect, winter home in AZ)
- Linda Ronstadt (singer)
- Clyde Tombaugh (astronomer)
Political Figures
- John McCain (U.S. Senator)
- Mo Udall (U.S. Representative)
- Raul Grijalva (U.S. Representative)
State Government Services
Arizona provides a range of public services through various state agencies.
Health Services
- AHCCCS (Medicaid), KidsCare
Social Services
- Food assistance, welfare programs
Environmental Agencies
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Parks & Recreation
- State parks and recreational areas
- Wildlife management and conservation
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
Historic documents and sites reflect Arizona's journey through territorial status and statehood.
State Constitution
- Original 1912 Constitution
- Current constitution with amendments
Historical Sites
- Tombstone
- Mission San Xavier del Bac
- Navajo National Monument
Archival Repositories
- Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
- University of Arizona Libraries
Environmental Initiatives
Arizona focuses on water conservation, air quality, and protection of its natural resources.
Water Conservation
- Drought management and water efficiency
- Groundwater and surface water management
Air Quality
- Emissions monitoring and control
- Efforts to reduce dust and pollution
Conservation Programs
- Wildlife habitat protection
- State park preservation
Major Events & Conferences
Arizona hosts various events and conferences that highlight its culture, industries, and natural attractions.
Cultural Events
- Arizona State Fair
- Scottsdale Arts Festival
- Various Native American cultural events
Sports Events
- Phoenix Open (PGA Tour)
- Spring Training baseball
- Various college sports events
Trade Shows
- Aerospace and defense industry conferences
- Mining and resources industry expos
Outdoor Events
- Hiking and outdoor recreation festivals
- Stargazing events in dark sky locations