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Phoenix Arizona- Welcome to the Valley of the Sun!! Arizona is located in the southwestern United States. It is bordered by Utah, New Mexico, Mexico, and, across the Colorado R., Nevada and California.
The East Valley of Phoenix includes the cities of Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Mesa and Maricopa. 
The West Valley of Phoenix includes the cities of Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix, Litchfield Park, Maryvale, Buckeye, Surprise and El Mirage.
Area, 113,909 sq mi (295,024 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 5,130,632, a 40% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital and largest city, Phoenix.
Nickname, Grand Canyon State, Copper State.
Motto, Ditat Deus [God Enriches].
State bird, cactus wren.
State flower, blossom of the saguaro cactus.  
State tree, paloverde.
Arizona also a farming state with the principal crops such as cotton, lettuce, cauliflowers, broccoli, and sorghum. Cattle, calves, and dairy goods also abundant in Arizona.
Manufacturing is the leading economic activity, with electronics, printing and publishing, processed foods, and aerospace and transportation leading sectors. Phoenix is the home of High-technology research and development companies such as Intel, Freescale and Honeywell. Communications, and service industries are also important, as are construction (the state is rapidly growing) and tourism.
Military facilities contributing to Arizona's economy include Fort Huachuca, Luke and Davis-Monthan air force bases, and the Yuma Proving Grounds. Testing and training with military aircraft and desert storage of commercial and military planes are both major undertakings.
Arizona abounds in minerals in cities such as Superior with copper being the state's most valuable mineral; Arizona leads the nation in production. Other leading resources are molybdenum, sand, gravel, and cement. 
Arizona continues to grow and attracts people form all parts of the United States.
Gilbert Arizona was named the fastest growing large suburb in 2007.
*Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition |