Admitted to Union: February 14, 1912
Capital: Phoenix
Nickname: Grand Canyon State
Motto: Ditat Deus, meaning "God Enriches"
Total Area: 114,006 square miles
Total Land Area: 113,642 square miles
Total Water Area: 364 square miles
Length: 400 miles
Width: 310 miles
Highest Point: 12,633 feet (Humphrey's Peak)
Lowest Point: 70 feet (Colorado River)
Mean Elevation: 4,100 feet
Highest Temp: 128 degrees on June 29, 1994 at Lake Havasu.
Lowest Temp: -40 degrees on Jan. 7, 1971 at Hawley Lake.
Highest Monthly Avg Temp: 105 degrees
Lowest Monthly Avg Temp: 66.9 degrees
Population: (U.S. Census, April, 2000) 5,130,632

There's no place on earth quite like the Grand Canyon State. It's not just our landscapes, which take in tall mountain ranges, swift rivers, grasslands, sand dunes, and cactus forests. It's not just our storied past, which reaches back thousands of years. It's not just our people, a vibrant blend of cultures and traditions. It's all these things, and the way they come together, that make a visit to Arizona a truly unforgettable experience.

---

Arizona became a state on Valentines Day 1912. It was the last of the 48 continental states to be accepted into the Union. It would be another 12 years before another state would be designated. The word Arizona means "little spring" in the Papago Indian language. The state is located in the southwestern region of the United States, and is filled with amazing artifacts from civilizations past. Many of the ruins and artifacts can be toured at the State and National Parks found in Arizona.

In addition to the Native American historic sites found in Arizona, there are also many places made famous by the Wild West era. Tourists can visit the legendary city of Tombstone where Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holliday participated in the gunfight that left four cowboys dead. This incident at the O.K. Coral has been reproduced in several movies throughout the years. Other attractions in the city include boot hill and the Birdcage Theatre.

As the settlers and fortune seekers crept further and further into the Arizona territory, the Apache Indian tribes began to revolt. Chochise and Geronimo were two of the most powerful leaders of these rebellious clans. Hiding in the hot desert canyons of Arizona they lead many successful raids against the encroaching white settlers. Historic markers and museums recounting their remarkable revolution can be found throughout the southern section of Arizona.

The incredible culture and history of Arizona has been the inspiration for many amazing artists in the area. Galleries and museums can be found in almost all of the cities and towns of Arizona. The tourist hotspot of Scottsdale is one of the most popular areas for local artists to live and sell their works. Metal work, pottery, paintings, jewelry and more fill the shops and boutiques of the Scottsdale area strip malls. Restaurants offering authentic Mexican and Native American foods are plentiful in Scottsdale and other Arizona cities.

Golfing is the main draw for the so called "snowbirds," who frequent Arizona during the winter months. Because of the wonderful winter climate in the Arizona desert, golfing is a year-round sport. There are several professional class courses in Arizona. One of which is host to a PGA golf tournament held every January in the Phoenix area.