Arizona

Information and Tourism

Arizona is situated in the southwestern part of the USA, sharing its longest border with neighboring Mexico. It is very much a land of contrasts, with diverse landscapes that feature some rather spectacular scenery.

The five distinct regions of Arizona include everything from southern deserts to northern mountains and pine forests. It is also home to dozens of national parks, the best-known being the Grand Canyon, a steep-sided gorge created over the centuries by the Colorado River.

The first Europeans to explore the area were Spanish. During the early 19th century, Arizona became part of Nueva California. It wasn't admitted to the Union until 1912, which was relatively late in the state's history. Arizona suffered at the hands of the Great Depression in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, however, an alternative and highly lucrative tourist trade grew up around its Wild West heritage.

Arizona still has a 'frontier' feel. It is a land of cowboys, ghostly gold and silver mining towns, and dusty deserts. In the wintertime, Arizona is also a popular destination for ski enthusiasts.

Today, Arizona is still home to many Native American communities. The best known include the Navajo Nation and the Apache tribe. Well-known Arizonians include the labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Estrada Chavez, as well as film director Steven Spielberg.

Arizona Information and Fast Facts

• Country: USA
• Population: approximately 6.5 million
• Capital city: Phoenix
• Biggest city: Phoenix
• Biggest urban area: Phoenix Metropolitan Area
• Language: American English
• Area: 114,000 square miles / 295,260 square kilometers
• Publicly owned land: 85% of total land area

	WORLD GUIDES TO ARIZONA
	World Guide to Flagstaff, AZ, USA Flagstaff stands Arizona's Colorado Plateau and is within easy reach of the nearby Grand Canyon Village. Known for being a lively town, Flagstaff is close to the San Francisco Peaks mountains between California (CA) and New Mexico (NM).
	World Guide to Grand Canyon, AZ, USA The vast Grand Canyon is the most spectacular natural attraction in the United States. Formed by the Colorado River, the immense size of the actual canyon is difficult to believe. Every year over five million people visit the Grand Canyon area.
	World Guide to Phoenix, AZ, USA Phoenix, capital of Arizona, has become one of the fastest growing cities in America and features over 300 sunny days every year. Now the six-largest city in the USA, Phoenix is a major tourist destination, particularly during the winter months.
	World Guide to Scottsdale, AZ, USA Scottsdale has become one of Arizona's top resorts and is known throughout America for its exceptional golf courses and impressive scenery. Close to Phoenix, Scottsdale is home to numerous excellent art galleries, gift shops and museums.
	World Guide to Sedona, AZ, USA Sedona, in Arizona, is surrounded by striking red sandstone formations and is near to the Oak Creek Canyon. Attracting over four million tourists each year, Sedona is home to a large number of resorts, which often feature outstanding views.
	World Guide to Tucson, AZ, USA Tucson offers spectacular desert scenery, with an important Hispanic and Native American heritage. The city features two main historical centers, the downtown district along the Santa Cruz River and the lively University of Arizona area.

Map of Arizona