Arizona State Almanac: Facts and Figures

Quick Facts, Figures, and Overview of the State of Arizona

Arizona Almanac:  Facts about the State of Arizona

Arizona is one of the Mountain states of the US. The Grand Canyon State shares its boundaries with California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and the Mexican province of Sonora. Famous for its beautiful scenery, Arizona has many natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon. Arizona is covered by tall, rugged mountains in the north, and the central plateau gives way to the magnificent desert landscapes of the south. Arizona's name come from combination of two words from the Papago Indian dialect of the Pima language; "Aleh" and "Zon" together as "Aleh-zon" meaning "little spring."

The ancient history and traditions of this land reaches back thousands of years, and today, this state is a favorite stop for golfers and tourists, especially those seeking warm weather. Also, it remains one of the most popular retirement destinations on the planet.

Manufacturing has become Arizona's most important industry. Principal products include electrical, communications, and aeronautical items. The state produces over half of the country's copper. Agriculture is also important to the state's economy. Top commodities are cattle and calves, dairy products, and cotton. In 1973 one of the world's most massive dams, the New Cornelia Tailings, was completed near Ajo.

Arizona Almanac:  Facts about Arizona

Official Name Arizona
Capital Phoenix
Nicknames Grand Canyon State ...and more
Motto Ditat Deus (God enriches)
Location
Region
33.54255 N, 112.07139 W
Rocky Mountains
Southwestern
Constitution Ratified 1911
Statehood February 14, 1912
48th state
Population 6,392,017 (2010)
45.15 sq. mi.
20th
Largest City
(by population)
10 largest cities (2010): Phoenix, 1,445,632; Tucson, 520,116; Mesa, 439,041; Chandler, 236,123; Glendale, 226,721;Scottsdale, 217,385; Gilbert, 208,453; Tempe, 161,719; Peoria, 154,065; Yuma, 90,041
Bordering States North: Utah
East: New Mexico
South: Mexico
West: California and Nevada (The Colorado River forms much of the W boundary)
Major Industry mining (copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver), manufacturing, and tourism
Major Rivers Colorado River, Little Colorado River, Gila River, Bill Williams River
Major Lakes Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, San Carlos Lake, Lake Powell
Arizona Counties 15 Counties in Arizona
Largest County
(by population)
Maricopa County
3,635,528 (2005)
9,204 sq. mi.
Largest County
(by area)
Coconino County
18,562 sq. mi.
State Parks 28    
Electoral Votes 10 (as of the 2004 Presidential Election)
US Congress 2 Senators; 8 Representatives
Time Zone Mountain Standard Time
Arizona, non-Navajo, no Daylight Saving
Zip Codes NANPA
State Quick Facts Census Bureau Quick Facts


Arizona Climate and Weather

Arizona's weather is popularly categorized as hot and dry, but what most people outside the state don't realize is that Arizona's climate is actually quite varied.

While Central Arizonans are basking in mild weather with cool breezes in January, folks in Northern Arizona might be swooshing down the state's ski slopes enjoying a cool winter day. And in the summer, Southern Arizonans could be sunbathing, while people in North-Central Arizona might slip on sweaters and enjoy the crisp night air.

Highest Temperature 128 degrees
June 29, 1994 - Lake Havasu
Lowest Temperature -40 degrees
Jan. 7, 1971 - Hawley Lake
Avg. Temp:
High - Low
105 degrees
66.9 degrees

Arizona Points of Interest

Arizona offers a myriad of things to see-and-do, including the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu and the London Bridge, Meteor Crater, Monument Valley, Painted Desert, Sonoran Desert, city sights of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, as well as plenty of sunshine, golfing, hiking, swimming, and so much more.

Arizona Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation: 4,100 feet
Highest Point: Humphreys Peak: 12,633 feet

Humphreys Peak: 12,633 feetHumphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona. It rises in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area, immediately north of Flagstaff. The area is volcanic in origin, as is apparent by the conal shapes of some of the neighboring peaks, but Humphreys is now heavily eroded, and has lost its symmetry. On a clear day on the summit, the view to the northwest includes the rim of the Grand Canyon. Usual access to Humphreys is via the Arizona Snow Bowl, a popular ski lodge located just south of the mountain. It is sacred to several Native American tribes

Lowest Point: Colorado River
70 feet

Arizona Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center In Yavapai County, 55 mi. ESE of Prescott
Longitude: 111°47.6'W
Latitude: 34°1 8.5'N
Total Area 113,998.30 sq. mi.
6th
Land Area 113,634.57 sq. mi.
99.69%
Water Area 363.73 sq. mi.
0.31%
Forested Land Area 27.4%
Dimensions
(Length - Width)
400 miles - 310 miles
County Information and County History
Almanac Online
Almanac Online
Information on people & places that make US a great place to live, visit, or study.