Arizona

• Capitol: Phoenix
• Largest City: Phoenix
• Nickname: Grand Canyon State
• State Bird: Cactus Wren
• State Tree: Palo Verde
• State Flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom
• Land Area: 43,800 square miles
• Motto: Ditat Deus, "God Enriches"
• Name means - Places of the Small Spring

Beginnings [1]

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.

1. U.S. Department of State, usinfo.state.gov, accessed December, 2007