About Arizona

Arizona is one of the four corners states, is situated in the southwestern region of United States. The state is bordered by Utah in the North, New Mexico (East), and Sonora, and Baja California states of Mexico in the South, and across the Colorado River, Nevada and Phoenix. Tucson the second largest city, is followed by four Phoenix-area cities of Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and Scottsdale.

The state of Arizona comprises an area of 113,909 sq mi (295,024 sq km). The Population numbers of the 2000 Census show a population of 5,130,632, an increase of 40% since the 1990 census. Population figures for the year ending July 1, 2006 indicate that Arizona was at that time the fastest growing state in the United States, exceeding the growth of the previous leader, Nevada.

Arizona was granted statehood on Feb. 14, 1912 (48th state). The Highest point in elevation is Humphreys Peak at 12,633 ft (3,853 m) above sea level. The lowest point of elevation in Arizona is the Colorado River, at 70 ft (21 m) below sea level. The state nickname is the “Grand Canyon State” or “Copper State”. The state Motto is, “Ditat Deus” latin for “God Enriches”. The state bird is the Cactus Wren, flower, blossom of the Saguaro Cactus, and tree, Paloverde.

Admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912 Arizona was the 48th and last of the contiguous states to be granted statehood. Noted for its desert climate, dry hot summers, and temperate winters, Arizona also encompasses the high country in the north featuring pine forests, mountain ranges, and cooler weather than the lower deserts.

In addition to the Grand Canyon, many other national parks, forests, monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state.

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