Arizona ( The Grand Canyon State ) The state's name comes from "arizonac", a Papago Indian word meaning "place of the small spring". Arizona was the 48th state to join the U.S. in 1912 - the last of 48 contiguous (connected) states to join the Union. Arizona, once thought to be an almost worthless desert, is now prosperous - the fastest growing state in the country. It is rich in farm and mineral products and manufacturing is growing rapidly. Vast irrigation systems have transformed the desert into rich farmland. Although the desert summers are very hot, the desert winters are warm and pleasant. Dude ranches, historic sites and magnificent scenery draw travelers to Arizona. The outstanding scenic feature is Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Arizona include: The Flag of Arizona Entered the Union in 1912 as the 48th State; flag adopted in 1917. Red and yellow are the colors of Spain, while blue is for the United States and the copper star symbolizes mineral resources. The rays suggest the setting sun over the desert.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Phoenix, 1,321,045; Tucson, 486,699; Mesa, 396,375; Glendale, 218,812; Scottsdale, 202,705; Chandler, 176,581; Tempe, 158,625; Gilbert, 109,697; Peoria, 108,364; Yuma, 77,515   Business and Trade in Arizona Agriculture: Cattle, cotton, dairy products, lettuce, nursery stock, hay. Industries: Copper and other mining, electric equipment, transportation equipment, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, electronics, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Cactus Wren Flower: Saguaro cactus blossom (carnegiea gigantea) Tree: Palo verde (cercidium) Song(s): Arizona Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches) Arizona Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument - Coolidge • Bill Williams NWR - Parker • Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Safford • San Simon Valley - Safford • Turkey Creek - Safford

Capital: Phoenix     Local Weather  Statehood: 1912-02-14  Population: 5,130,632 (45.2 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 113,998.30     Water 363.73     Land 113,634.57     Rank 6th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In Arizona, there are 2,189,189 housing units, averaging to 19.3 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Arizona Wildlife Views     Phoenix Magazine     Desert Living     Arizona Foothills Magazine     Arizona Highways     Wildlife Conservation Magazine     Phoenix Home and Garden   Posters and Artwork Old Pueblo Balloon Classic, Tucson, Arizona, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Havasupai Woman with Child in Basket, Arizona Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Twin Spring Canyon, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Rock Formation of Antelope Canyon Page, Arizona, USA Photographic Print 36" x 48" • Gurley Street, Prescott, Arizona Art Print 17" x 11" • An raven soars above the gorges and slot canyons along the Arizona/Utah border Photographic Print 32" x 24"