Arizona From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



State of Arizona Flag of Arizona Seal Nickname(s): The Grand Canyon State, The Copper State Motto(s): Ditat Deus ("God enriches") before statehood, known as the Arizona Territory Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74.1%, Spanish 19.5%, Navajo 1.9% Demonym Arizonan Capital Phoenix Largest city Phoenix Largest metro area Phoenix Metropolitan Area Area Ranked 6th in the US - Total 113,998 sq mi (295,254 km²) - Width 310 miles (500 km) - Length 400 miles (645 km) - % water 0.32 - Latitude 31° 20′ N to 37° N - Longitude 109° 3′ W to 114° 49′ W Population Ranked 16th in the US - Total 6,338,755 (2007 est.)[1] - Density 55.8/sq mi (21.54/km²) Ranked 33rd in the US Elevation - Highest point Humphreys Peak[2] 12,633 ft (3,851 m) - Mean 4,100 ft (1,250 m) - Lowest point Colorado River[2] 70 ft (22 m) Admission to Union February 14, 1912 (48th) Governor Janet Napolitano (D) Lieutenant Governor None[3] U.S. Senators John McCain (R) Jon Kyl (R) Congressional Delegation 4 Rep. and 4 Dem. (list) Time zones - Most of State Mountain: UTC-7 - Navajo Nation Mountain: UTC-7/-6 Abbreviations AZ Ariz. US-AZ Website www.az.gov [show]Arizona State Symbols Living symbols -Amphibian Arizona Tree Frog -Bird Cactus Wren -Butterfly Two-tailed Swallowtail -Fish Apache trout -Flower Saguaro Cactus blossom -Insect Two-tailed Swallowtail -Mammal Ring-tailed Cat -Reptile Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake -Tree Palo verde Colors Blue, Old Gold Fossil Petrified wood Gemstone Turquoise Mineral Fire Agate Rock Petrified wood Ship(s) USS Arizona Slogan(s) The Grand Canyon State Soil Casa Grande Song(s) Arizona, Arizona March Song Route marker(s) Quarter 2008 See also Arizona portal This article is about the U.S. State. For other uses, see Arizona (disambiguation). The State of Arizona (/ærɪˈzoʊnə/ (help·info)) is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. The capital and largest city is Phoenix. The second largest city is Tucson, followed by the four Phoenix-area conurbation cities of Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and Scottsdale.[4] Arizona was the 48th and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.[5] Arizona is noted for its desert climate, exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, but the high country in the north features pine forests and mountain ranges with cooler weather than the lower deserts. New 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 is one of the Four Corners states. It borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, touches Colorado, and has a 389-mile (626 km) international border with the states of Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. In addition to the Grand Canyon, many other national forests, parks, monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state. Contents [hide] 1 Geography 1.1 Climate 2 History 3 Demographics 3.1 Religion 4 Economy 4.1 Employment 4.2 Taxation 5 Transportation 5.1 Highways 5.1.1 Interstate Highways 5.1.2 U.S. Routes 5.2 Public transportation and intercity bus 5.3 Aviation 6 Law and government 6.1 Capitol complex 6.2 State legislative branch 6.3 State executive branch 6.3.1 Current Elected Officials 6.4 State judicial branch 6.5 Federal representation 6.6 Political culture 7 Important cities and

towns 8 Education 8.1 Elementary and secondary education 8.2 Colleges and universities 8.2.1 Public colleges and universities 8.2.2 Private four-year colleges and universities (non-profit) 8.2.3 Professional Schools, Trade Schools, and For-Profit Private Colleges 8.2.4 Public two-year colleges 9 Professional sports teams 9.1 Spring training 10 Miscellaneous topics 10.1 Art and pop culture 10.2 Notable people 10.3 State symbols 11 See also 12 References 13 See also 14 Further reading 15 External links 15.1 Official State Government website 15.2 Other references 15.3 Tourism information [edit] Geography See also lists of counties, rivers, lakes, state parks, National Parks and National Forests. Arizona is located in the western United States as one of the Four Corners states. Arizona is the sixth largest state in area, after New Mexico and before Nevada. Of the state's 113,998 square miles (295,000 km2), approximately 15% is privately owned. The remaining area is public forest and park land, recreation areas and Native American reservations. Arizona is best known for its desert landscape, which is rich in xerophyte plants such as cactus. It is also known for its climate, which presents exceptionally hot summers and mild winters. Less well known is the pine-covered high country of the Colorado Plateau in the north-central portion of the state, which contrasts with the desert Basin and Range region in the southern portions of the state. Like other states of the Southwest, Arizona has an abundance of topographical characteristics in addition to its desert climate. Mountains and plateaus are found in more than half of the state. The largest stand in the world of Ponderosa pine trees is contained in Arizona.[6] The Mogollon Rim, a 2,000-foot (610 m) escarpment, cuts across the central section of the state and marks the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, where the state experienced its worst forest fire ever in 2002. Arizona belongs firmly within the Basin and Range region of North America. The region was shaped by prehistoric volcanism, followed by a cooling-off and related subsidence. The entire region is slowly sinking. The Grand Canyon is a colorful, steep-sided gorge, carved by the Colorado River, in northern Arizona. The canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is largely contained in the Grand Canyon National Park—one of the first national parks in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of designating the Grand Canyon area, visiting on numerous occasions to hunt mountain lion and enjoy the scenery. The Canyon was created by the Colorado River cutting a channel over millions of years, and is about 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6 to 29 kilometers) and attains a depth of more than 1 mile (1.6 km). Nearly 2 billion years of the Earth's history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut through layer after layer of sediment as the Colorado Plateaus have uplifted. Arizona is home to one of the largest and most well-preserved meteorite impact sites in the world. The Barringer Meteorite Crater (better known simply as "Meteor Crater") is a gigantic hole in the middle of the high plains of the Colorado Plateau, about 25 miles (40 km) west of Winslow. A rim of smashed and jumbled boulders, some of them the size of small houses, rises 150 feet (46 m) above the level of the surrounding plain. The crater itself is nearly a mile wide, and 570 feet (174 m) deep. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except in the Navajo Nation, located in the northeastern region of the state. [edit] Climate Littlefield located outside the Virgin River Gorge is an isolated community in the Mojave Desert.Due to its large area and variations in elevation, the state has a wide variety of localized climate conditions. In the lower elevations, the climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and hot summers. Typically, from late fall to early spring, the weather is mild, averaging a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 °C). November through February are the coldest months with temperatures typically ranging from 40–75 °F (4–24 °C), although occasional frosts are not uncommon. About midway through February, the temperatures start to rise again with warm days, and cool breezy nights. The summer months of May through July bring a dry heat ranging from 90–120 °F (32–48 °C), with occasional high temperatures exceeding 125 °F (52 °C) having been observed in the desert area. Due to the primarily dry climate, large temperature swings often occur between day and night in less developed areas of the desert. The swings can be as large as 50 °F (28 °C) in the summer months. In the state's urban centers, the effects of local warming result in much higher measured nighttime lows than in the recent past. Arizona has an average annual rainfall of 12.7 inches (323 mm),[7] which comes during two rainy seasons, with cold fronts coming from the Pacific Ocean during the winter and a monsoon in the summer.[8] The monsoon season occurs towards the end of summer. In July or August, the dewpoint rises dramatically for a brief period. During this time, the air contains large amounts of water vapor. Dewpoints as high as 81°F (27 °C)[9] have been recorded during the Phoenix monsoon season. This hot moisture brings

lightning, thunderstorms, wind, and torrential, if usually brief, downpours. It is rare for tornadoes and hurricanes to occur in Arizona, but there are records of both occurring. However, the northern third of Arizona is a plateau at significantly higher altitudes than the lower desert, and has an appreciably cooler climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Extreme cold temperatures are not unknown; cold air systems from the northern states and Canada occasionally push into the state, bringing temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) to the higher parts of the state. Indicative of the variation in climate, Arizona is the state which has both the metropolitan area with the most days over 100 °F (37.8 °C) (Phoenix), and the metropolitan area in the lower 48 states with nearly the most days with a low temperature below freezing (Flagstaff).[10] City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Flagstaff 43/17 46/19 50/23 58/27 68/34 79/41 82/50 80/49 74/42 63/31 51/22 44/17 Phoenix 67/45 71/48 76/53 85/58 94/67 104/76 107/83 105/82 99/76 88/62 75/50 67/44 Tucson 64/39 68/41 73/44 81/51 90/58 100/68 99/74 97/72 94/67 84/57 73/45 65/39 Winslow 47/21 54/26 62/31 70/37 79/45 90/54 93/62 90/61 84/53 72/40 58/29 47/21 Yuma 69/46 75/48 80/52 87/58 94/65 104/73 107/80 106/80 101/75 90/64 77/52 69/45 Source: US National Climatic Data Center[11] [edit] History Main article: History of Arizona The North Rim of the Grand Canyon.There is some disagreement over the proper etymology of the name "Arizona." Some scholars believe the name is simply an abbreviation of the Spanish phrase arida zona, "dry region", although the phrasing is atypical for Spanish. Others reject this derivation as capricious favoring explanations such as the Basque phrase aritz ona, "good oak,"[12][13] or the O'odham phrase alĭ ṣonak, "small spring".[14] The Basque etymology is the one preferred by Arizona state historian Marshall Trimble, among other specialists. The name Arizonac was initially applied to the silver mining camp, and later (shortened to Arizona) to the entire territory. Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan, explored the area in 1539 and met its original native inhabitants, probably the Sobaipuri. The expedition of Spanish explorer Coronado entered the area in 1540–42 during its search for Cíbola. Society of Jesus Father Kino developed a chain of missions and taught the Indians Christianity in Pimería Alta (now southern Arizona and northern Sonora) in the 1690s and early 1700s. Spain founded presidios (fortified towns) at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775. When Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, what is now Arizona became part of the Mexican Territory Nueva California, also known as Alta California.[15] In the Mexican–American War (1847), the U.S. occupied Mexico City and forced the newly founded Mexican Republic to give up its northern territories, including what later became Arizona. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), a mutually agreed-upon document, specified that the sum of $15 million US dollars in compensation (an extraordinarily large sum at the time) be paid to the newly formed Republic of Mexico.[16] The purchase of the area formerly ruled by Spain, then briefly Mexico, almost bankrupted the United States. As a result, the land was offered back to the Mexican Republic. Because of the large sum of money already paid and later payments still outstanding, the leaders of Mexico declined the offer from the United States.[citation needed] In 1853 the land below the Gila River was acquired from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase. Arizona was administered as part of the Territory of New Mexico until southern New Mexico seceded[17] from the Union as the Confederate Territory of Arizona on March 16, 1861. Arizona was recognized as a Confederate Territory by presidential proclamation of Jefferson Davis on February 12, 1862. This is the first official use of the name. A new Arizona Territory, consisting of the western half of New Mexico Territory was declared in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 1863. The new boundaries would later form the basis of the state. Other names including "Gadsonia", "Pimeria", "Montezuma", "Arizuma", and "Arizonia" had been considered for the territory,[18] however when President Lincoln signed the final bill, it read "Arizona", and the name became permanent. (Montezuma was not the Mexican Emperor, but the sacred name of a divine hero to the Pueblo people of the Gila valley, and was probably considered — and rejected — for its sentimental value before the name "Arizona"

was settled upon.) Brigham Young sent Mormons to Arizona in the mid-to-late 19th century. They founded Mesa, Snowflake, Heber, Safford and other towns. They also settled in the Phoenix Valley (or "Valley of the Sun"), Tempe, Prescott, among other areas. The Mormons settled what became known as Northern Arizona and northern New Mexico, but these areas were located in a part of the former New Mexico Territory. The largest ancestry of these settlers is German. Arizona became a U.S. state on February 14, 1912. Arizona was the 48th state admitted into the U.S. and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted. The admission, originally scheduled to coincide with that of New Mexico, was delayed by Democrats in the territorial legislature to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Arizona becoming a Confederate territory in 1862.[19] A sunset in the Arizona desert near Scottsdale. The climate and imagery are two factors behind Arizona's tourism industry.Cotton farming and copper mining, two of Arizona's most important statewide industries, suffered heavily during the Great Depression, but it was during the 1920s and 1930s that tourism began to be the important Arizona industry it is today. Dude ranches such as the K L Bar and Remuda in Wickenburg, along with the Flying V and Tanque Verde in Tucson, gave tourists the chance to experience the flavor and life of the "old West." Several upscale hotels and resorts opened during this period, some of which are still top tourist draws to this day; they include the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in central Phoenix (opened 1929) and the Wigwam Resort on the west side of the Phoenix area (opened 1936). Arizona was the site of German and Italian POW camps during World War II and Japanese US-resident internment camps. The camps were abolished after World War II. The Phoenix area site was purchased after the war by the Maytag family (of major home appliance fame), and is currently utilized as the Phoenix Zoo. A Japanese American internment camp was located on Mount Lemmon, just outside of the state's southeastern city of Tucson. Another POW camp was located near the Gila River in eastern Yuma County. Because of California's proximity to Japan, a line was drawn somewhat parallel to the California border, and all Japanese residents west of that line were required to reside in the war camps. Grand Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the Phoenix area and part of U.S. 60, (perhaps because it mirrored the California border) was chosen as part of that boundary. This resulted in many extended Japanese families becoming separated; some were interned, some free--and some free families, in an odd bid for family unity, requested to be interned in order to be with their families at a camp built by the original Del Webb Co., a modern manufacturer of large housing developments. Arizona was also home to the Phoenix Indian School, one of several federal institutions designed to assimilate native children into mainstream culture. Children were often enrolled into these schools against the wishes of their parents and families. Attempts to suppress native identities included forcing the children to cut their hair and take on western names.[20] Arizona's population grew tremendously after World War II, in part because of the development of air conditioning, which made the intense summers more comfortable. According to the Arizona Blue Book (published by the Secretary of State's office each year), the state population in 1910 was 294,353. By 1970, it was 1,752,122. The percentage growth each decade averaged about 20% in the earlier decades and about 60% each decade thereafter. The 1960s saw the establishment of retirement communities, special age-restricted subdivisions catering exclusively to the needs of senior citizens who wanted to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest and the Northeast. Sun City, established by developer Del Webb and opened in 1960, was one of the first such communities. Green Valley, south of Tucson, was another such community and was designed to be a retirement subdivision for Arizona's teachers. (Many senior citizens arrive in Arizona each winter and stay only during the winter months; they are referred to as snowbirds.) Three ships named USS Arizona have been christened in honor of the state, although only USS Arizona (BB-39) was so named after statehood was achieved. [edit] Demographics Historical populations Census Pop. %± 1860 6,482 — 1870 9,658 49% 1880 40,440 318.7% 1890 88,243 118.2%

1900 122,931 39.3% 1910 204,354 66.2% 1920 334,162 63.5% 1930 435,573 30.3% 1940 499,261 14.6% 1950 749,587 50.1% 1960 1,302,161 73.7% 1970 1,770,900 36% 1980 2,718,215 53.5% 1990 3,665,228 34.8% 2000 5,130,632 40% Est. 2007 6,338,755 23.5% Demographics of Arizona (csv) By race White Black AIAN* Asian NHPI* 2000 (total population) 89.29% 3.74% 5.81% 2.36% 0.28% 2000 (Hispanic only) 24.13% 0.41% 0.73% 0.19% 0.07% 2005 (total population) 88.74% 4.20% 5.63% 2.75% 0.31% 2005 (Hispanic only) 27.20% 0.58% 0.72% 0.23% 0.08% Growth 2000–05 (total population) 15.05% 30.11% 12.25% 35.27% 25.02% Growth 2000–05 (non-Hispanic only) 9.32% 25.75% 11.85% 34.75% 22.33% Growth 2000–05 (Hispanic only) 30.51% 65.92% 15.01% 41.10% 32.89% * AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native; NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander As of 2006, Arizona had an estimated population of 6,166,318,[21] which is an increase of 213,311, or 3.6%, from the prior year and an increase of 1,035,686, or 20.2%, since the year 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 297,928 people (that is 564,062 births minus 266,134 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 745,944 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 204,661 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 541,283 people. New population figures for the year ending July 1, 2006, indicate that Arizona is the fastest growing state in the United States, with 3.6% population growth since 2005, exceeding the growth of the previous leader, Nevada. More than half (around 58%) of the population of Arizona live in cities of 100,000 or more inhabitants, the highest proportion of any of the 50 states. The population density of the state is 45.2 people per square mile.[22] The center of population of Arizona is located in Maricopa County, in the town of Gilbert.[23] Arizona's Population Density.According to 2006 U.S. Census estimates, Arizona's population is: 59.7% White American, 3.8% African American, 2.4% Asian American, 1.7% mixed, and 29.2% are Hispanics or Latino (of any race). The state has the third highest number (and the sixth highest percentage) of Native Americans of any state in the Union. 286,680 were estimated to live in Arizona, representing more than 10% of the country's total Native American population of 2,752,158. Only California and Oklahoma[24] have more Native Americans. The perimeters of Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Yuma border on Native American reservations. The largest ancestry groups in Arizona are Mexican (21%), German, English, Irish, and Native American. The southern and central parts of the state are heavily Mexican American, especially in Santa Cruz County and Yuma County near the Mexican border. The north-central and northwestern counties are largely inhabited by residents of English ancestry. The northeastern part of Arizona has many American Indians. African Americans have had a relatively small presence in Arizona, but their numbers are increasing due to in-migration from other states, especially California, the Midwest and the Northeast. The African American population of the Phoenix metropolitan area doubled between 1990 and 2005.[25] Asian Americans also made major contributions to the development of Arizona, such as the many Chinese who arrived in the state's mines and railroads, and the fact that over 20,000 Japanese Americans, mostly residing in the Grand Avenue section of Phoenix and farming areas of southern Arizona and the Colorado River valley, were interned during World War II. Arizona is projected to become a minority-majority state by the year 2035, if current population growth trends continue. In 2003, for the first time, there were more Hispanic births in the state than white (non-Hispanic) births. As of 2000, 74.16% of Arizona residents age 5 and older speak only English at home and 19.52% speak Spanish. Navajo is the third most spoken language at 1.89%.[26] See also the list of native peoples. [edit] Religion According to a 2008 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, the most common self-reported religious affiliation of Arizona residents are:[27] Roman Catholic - 25% Evangelical Christian - 23% Non-Religious / Unaffiliated - 22% Mainline Protestant - 15% Latter-Day Saint / Mormon - 4% Judaism - 1% Others - 11% L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, lived in Phoenix during Scientology's formative years. Arizona has been labeled the "Birthplace of Scientology."[28] The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the Roman Catholic

Church with 974,883; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 251,974; and the Southern Baptist Convention with 138,516.[29] [edit] Economy The 2006 total gross state product was $232 billion. If Arizona (and each of the other US states) were an independent country along with all existing countries (2005), it would have the 61st largest economy in the world (CIA - The World Factbook). This figure gives Arizona a larger economy than such countries as Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. Arizona currently has the 21st largest economy among states in the United States. As a percentage of its overall budget, Arizona's projected 1.7 billion deficit for '09 is the largest in the country.[30] The state's per capita income is $27,232, 39th in the U.S. Arizona had a median household income of $46,693 making it 27th in the country and just shy of the US national median. Early in its history, Arizona's economy relied on the "Five C's": copper (see Copper mining in Arizona), cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate (tourism). At one point Arizona was the largest producer of cotton in the country. Copper is still extensively mined from many expansive open-pit and underground mines, accounting for two-thirds of the nation's output. [edit] Employment The state government is Arizona's largest employer, while Wal-Mart is the state's largest private employer, with 17,343 employees (2008). [edit] Taxation Arizona collects personal income taxes in five brackets: 2.87%, 3.20%, 3.74%, 4.72% and 5.04%. The 'sales tax' is generally around 6.3%. The state rate on transient lodging (hotel/motel) is 7.27%. The state of Arizona does not levy a state tax on food for home consumption or on drugs prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. However, some cities in Arizona do levy a tax on food for home consumption. All fifteen Arizona counties levy a tax. Incorporated municipalities also levy transaction privilege taxes which, with the exception of their hotel/motel tax, are generally in the range of 1-to-3%. These added assessments could push the combined sales tax rate to as high as 10.7%. Single Tax Rate Joint Tax Rate 0 - $10,000 2.870% 0 - $20,000 2.870% $10,000 - $25,000 3.200% $20,001 - $50,000 3.200% $25,000 - $50,000 3.740% $50,001 - $100,000 3.740% $50,000 - $150,001 4.720% $100,000 - $300,001 4.720% $150,001 + 5.040% $300,001 + 5.040% [edit] Transportation Main article: Transportation in Arizona Entering Arizona on I-10 from New Mexico [edit] Highways [edit] Interstate Highways Interstate 8 | Interstate 10 | Interstate 15 | Interstate 17 | Interstate 19 | Interstate 40 [edit] U.S. Routes U.S. Route 60 | U.S. Route 64 | U.S. Route 70 | U.S. Route 89 | U.S. Route 66 U.S. Route 91 | U.S. Route 93 | U.S. Route 95 | U.S. Route 160 | U.S. Route 163 U.S. Route 180 | U.S. Route 191 | U.S. Route 466 | U.S. Route 491 Main interstate routes include Interstate 17, and Interstate 19 running north-south, Interstate 40, Interstate 8, and Interstate 10 running east-west, and a short stretch of Interstate 15 running northeast/southwest through the extreme northwestern corner of the state. In addition, the various urban areas are served by complex networks of state routes and highways, such as the Loop 101, which is part of Phoenix's vast freeway system. [edit] Public transportation and intercity bus The Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas are served by public bus transit systems. Yuma and Flagstaff also have public bus systems. Greyhound Lines serves Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, and several smaller communities statewide. A light rail system called Valley Metro Rail is currently being built in Phoenix. When completed, it will connect Central Phoenix with the nearby cities of Mesa and Tempe. The system is projected to be operational by December 2008. In May 2006, voters in Tucson approved a Regional Transportation Plan (a comprehensive bus transit/streetcar/roadway improvement program), and its funding via a new half-cent sales tax increment. The centerpiece of the plan is a light rail streetcar system (possibly similar to the Portland Streetcar in Oregon) that will travel through the downtown area, connecting the main University of Arizona campus with the Rio Nuevo master plan area on the western edge of downtown.[31] [edit] Aviation See also: List of airports in Arizona Airports with regularly scheduled commercial flights include: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX, ICAO: KPHX) in

Phoenix (the largest airport and the major international airport in the state); Tucson International Airport (IATA: TUS, ICAO: KTUS) in Tucson; Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA, ICAO: KIWA) in Mesa; Yuma International Airport (IATA: NYL, ICAO: KNYL) in Yuma; Prescott Municipal Airport (PRC) in Prescott; Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (IATA: FLG, ICAO: KFLG) in Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon National Park Airport (IATA: GCN, ICAO: KGCN, FAA: GCN), a small, but busy, single-runway facility providing tourist flights, mostly from Las Vegas. Phoenix Sky Harbor is currently 7th busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movements, and 17th for passenger traffic.[32][33] Other significant airports without regularly scheduled commercial flights include Scottsdale Municipal Airport (IATA: SCF, ICAO: KSDL) in Scottsdale, and Deer Valley Airport (IATA: DVT, ICAO: KDVT, FAA: DVT) home to two flight training academies and the Nation's busiest general aviation airport.[34] [edit] Law and government See also: Arizona Constitution, United States congressional delegations from Arizona, List of Arizona Governors, and Political party strength in Arizona Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix [edit] Capitol complex The state capital of Arizona is Phoenix. The original Capitol building, with its distinctive copper dome, was dedicated in 1901 (construction was completed for $136,000 in 1900), when the area was still a territory. Phoenix became the official state capital with Arizona's admission to the union in 1912. The House of Representatives and Senate buildings were dedicated in 1960, and an Executive Office Building was dedicated in 1974 (the ninth floor of this building is where the Office of the Governor is located). The original Capitol building was converted into a museum. The Capitol complex is fronted and highlighted by the richly landscaped Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, named after Wesley Bolin, a governor who died in office in the 1970s. Numerous monuments and memorials are on the site, including the anchor and signal mast from the USS Arizona (one of the U.S. Navy ships sunk in Pearl Harbor), a granite version of the Ten Commandments, and the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. [edit] State legislative branch The Arizona Legislature is bicameral (like the legislature of every other state except Nebraska) and consists of a thirty-member Senate and a 60-member House of Representatives. Each of the thirty legislative districts has one senator and two representatives. Legislators are elected for two-year terms. Each Legislature covers a two-year period. The first session following the general election is known as the first regular session, and the session convening in the second year is known as the second regular session. Each regular session begins on the second Monday in January and adjourns sine die (terminates for the year) no later than Saturday of the week in which the 100th day from the beginning of the regular session falls. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House, by rule, may extend the session up to seven additional days. Thereafter, the session can only be extended by a majority vote of members present of each house. The current majority party is the Republican Party, which has held power in both houses since 1993. Arizona state senators and representatives are elected for two year terms and are limited to four consecutive terms in a chamber, though there is no limit on the total number of terms. When a lawmaker is term-limited from office, it is not uncommon for him or her to run for election in the other chamber. The fiscal year 2006-07 general fund budget, approved by the Arizona Legislature in June 2006, is slightly less than $10 billion. Besides the money spent on state agencies, it also includes more than $500 million in income- and property tax cuts, pay raises for government employees, and additional funding for the K–12 education system. [edit] State executive branch Arizona’s executive branch is headed by a governor, who is elected to a four-year term. The governor may serve any number of terms, though no more than two in a row. Arizona is one of the few states that does not maintain a governor’s mansion. During office the governors reside within their private residence, and all executive offices are housed in the executive tower at the state capitol. The current governor of Arizona is Janet Napolitano (D), first elected in 2002 and currently serving a second term. Other elected executive officials include the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Mine Inspector and a five member Corporation Commission. All elected officials hold a term of four years, and are limited to two

consecutive terms (except the office of the state mine inspector, which is exempt from term limits). Arizona is one of eight states that does not have a specified lieutenant governor. The secretary of state is the first in line to succeed the governor in the event of death, disability, resignation, or removal from office. Since 1977, three secretaries of state have risen to Arizona's governorship though these means. [edit] Current Elected Officials Governor of Arizona: Janet Napolitano (D) Secretary of State: Jan Brewer (R) Attorney General: Terry Goddard (D) State Treasurer: Dean Martin (R) Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tom Horne (R) State Mine Inspector: Joe Hart (R) Corporation Commissioners: Gary Pierce (R), Kristin Mayes (R), Jeff Hatch-Miller (R), William Mundell (R), Mike Gleason (R) [edit] State judicial branch The Arizona Supreme Court is the highest court in Arizona. The court currently consists of one chief justice, a vice chief justice, and three associate justices. Justices are appointed by the governor from a list recommended by a bi-partisian commission, and are re-elected after the initial two years following their appointment. Subsequent re-elections occur every six years. The supreme court has appellate jurisdiction in death penalty cases, but almost all other appellate cases go through the Arizona Court of Appeals beforehand. The court has original jurisdiction in a few other circumstances, as outlined in the state constitution. The court may also declare laws unconstitutional, but only while seated en banc. The court meets in the Arizona Supreme Court Building at the capitol complex (at the southern end of Wesley Bolin Plaza). The Arizona Court of Appeals, further divided into two divisions, is the intermediate court in the state. Division One is based in Phoenix, consists of sixteen judges, and has jurisdiction in the Western and Northern regions of the state, along with the greater Phoenix area. Division Two is based in Tucson, consists of six judges, and has jurisdiction over the Southern regions of the state, including the Tucson area. Judges are selected in a method similar to the one used for state supreme court justices. Each county of Arizona has a superior court, the size and organization of which are varied and generally depend on the size of the particular county. [edit] Federal representation The two U.S. Senators from Arizona are Senator John McCain (Republican) and Senator Jon Kyl (Republican). Arizona's representatives in the United States House of Representatives are Rick Renzi (R-1), Trent Franks (R-2), John Shadegg (R-3), Ed Pastor (D-4), Harry Mitchell (D-5), Jeff Flake (R-6), Raul Grijalva (D-7), and Gabrielle Giffords (D-8). Jim Kolbe announced his retirement from Congress in 2006, creating one of the few open seats in the nation in Arizona's Congressional District 8. Arizona gained two seats in the House of Representatives due to redistricting based on Census 2000. [edit] Political culture Presidential elections results Year Republican Democratic 2004 54.87% 1,104,294 44.40% 893,524 2000 50.95% 781,652 44.67% 685,341 1996 44.29% 622,073 46.52% 653,288 1992 38.47% 572,086 36.52% 543,050 1988 59.95% 702,541 38.74% 454,029 1984 66.42% 681,416 32.54% 333,854 1980 60.61% 529,688 28.24% 246,843 1976 56.37% 418,642 39.80% 295,602 1972 61.64% 402,812 30.38% 198,540 1968 54.78% 266,721 35.02% 170,514 1964 50.45% 242,535 49.45% 237,753 1960 55.52% 221,241 44.36% 176,781 From statehood through the late 1940s, Arizona was primarily dominated by the Democratic party. During this time period, the Democratic candidate for the presidency carried the state each election, with the only exceptions being the elections of 1920, 1924 and 1928. Since the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952, however, the state has voted consistently Republican in national politics, with the Republican candidate carrying the state every time with the sole exception of Bill Clinton in United States presidential election, 1996. In recent years, the Republican Party has also dominated Arizona politics in general. The fast-growing Phoenix and Tucson suburbs became increasingly friendly to Republicans from the 1950s onward. During this time, many "Pinto Democrats," or conservative Democrats from rural areas, became increasingly willing to support Republicans at the state and national level. However, the current Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano is a Democrat; she was handily reelected in 2006. On March 4, 2008, John McCain effectively clinched the Republican nomination for

2008, becoming the first presidential nominee from the state since Barry Goldwater in 1964. In the 2008 presidential elections, Arizona has become a swing state. Maricopa County, the fourth-largest county in the country and home of Phoenix, dominates Arizona's politics. It is home to almost 60 percent of the state's population, and most of the state's elected officials live there. It has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1948. This includes the 1964 run of native son Barry Goldwater; he wouldn't have even carried his own state had it not been for Maricopa County. In contrast, Pima County, home to Tucson, and most of southern Arizona has historically been more Democratic. While Tucson's suburbs lean Republican, they hold to a somewhat more moderate brand of Republicanism than is common in the Phoenix area. Between them, Maricopa and Pima counties cast almost three-fourths of Arizona's total vote, and account for a substantial majority in the state legislature. Arizona rejected an anti-gay amendment in the 2006 midterm elections. Arizona was the first state in the nation to do so. Gay marriage was already illegal in Arizona, but this amendment would have denied any legal or financial benefits to unmarried homosexual or heterosexual couples.[35] See also: United States presidential election, 2004, in Arizona [edit] Important cities and towns Downtown Phoenix TucsonSee also: List of localities in Arizona, List of cities in Arizona (by population), and List of Arizona counties Phoenix, located in Maricopa County, is the largest city in Arizona and also the state capital. Other prominent cities in the Phoenix metro area include Mesa (the third largest city in Arizona and the most populous suburban city in the United States), Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, Sun City, Sun City West, Fountain Hills, Surprise, Gilbert, El Mirage, Avondale, Tempe and Scottsdale, with a total metropolitan population of just over 4 million. Tucson is the state's second largest city, and is located in Pima County, approximately 110 miles (180 km) southeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Tucson metropolitan area crossed the one-million-resident threshold in early 2007. It is home to the University of Arizona, which is a Public Ivy and, along with Arizona State University in Tempe, considered one of the state's flagship universities. The Prescott metropolitan area includes the cities of Prescott, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and numerous other towns spread out over the Yavapai County area. With 212,635 residents, this cluster of towns form the third largest metropolitan area in the state. The city of Prescott (population 41,528) lies approximately 100 miles (170 km) northwest of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Situated in pine tree forests at an elevation of about 5500 ft, Prescott enjoys a much cooler climate than Phoenix, with average summer highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit and winter temperatures averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Yuma is center of the fourth largest metropolitan area in Arizona. It is located near the borders of California and Mexico. It is one of the hottest cities in the United States with the average July high of 107 degrees Fahrenheit. (The same month's average in Death Valley is 115 degrees.) The city also features sunny days about 90% of the year. The Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 160,000. Yuma also attracts many winter visitors from all over the United States. Flagstaff is the largest city in northern Arizona, and has a nearly 7000 ft elevation, with its large Ponderosa Pine forests and Ski areas, is a stark contrast to the desert regions typically associated with Arizona. It sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona, with Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,850 m). Flagstaff has a strong tourism sector, due to its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon. Historic U.S. Route 66 is the main east-west street. Flagstaff is home to 57,391 residents and the main campus of Northern Arizona University. [edit] Education [edit] Elementary and secondary education Public schools in Arizona are separated into about 220 local school districts which operate independently, but are governed in most cases by elected county school superintendents; these are in turn overseen by the Arizona State Board of Education (a division of the Arizona Department of Education) and the state Superintendent of Public Instruction (elected in partisan elections every even-numbered year when there is not a presidential election, for a four-year term). In 2005, a School District Redistricting Commission was established with the goal of combining and consolidating many of these districts. The ASU Biodesign Institute [edit] Colleges and universities Higher education in

Arizona is governed at the university level by the Arizona Board of Regents or the ABOR, a 12-member body. According to information published by the ABOR office and available on their Web site, eight volunteer members are appointed by the Governor to staggered eight-year terms; two students serve on the Board for two-year appointments, with the first year being a nonvoting apprentice year. The Governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction serve as voting ex-officio members. The ABOR provides "policy guidance" and oversight to the three major degree-granting universities, as provided for by Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Community colleges in Arizona were governed historically by a separate statewide Board of Directors, but a bill passed in the 2002 regular session of the Legislature (HB 2710, which later became ARS 15-1444) transferred almost all oversight authority to individual community college districts. The Maricopa County Community College District includes 11 community colleges throughout Maricopa County and is one of the largest in the nation. [edit] Public colleges and universities Arizona State University Northern Arizona University University of Arizona [edit] Private four-year colleges and universities (non-profit) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ottawa University Prescott College Western Governors University An online school with a former Arizona governor as a founder, Governor Napolitano as a former board member, and employees and students throughout Arizona. [edit] Professional Schools, Trade Schools, and For-Profit Private Colleges The Art Center Design College, Tucson[36] Art Institute of Phoenix[37] A.T. Still University, Mesa Collins College, Tempe DeVry University, Phoenix Grand Canyon University Midwestern University, Glendale Northcentral University Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery[38] Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Southwestern College Thunderbird School of Global Management University of Advancing Technology, Tempe University of Phoenix Western International University [edit] Public two-year colleges Arizona Western College Central Arizona College Cochise College Coconino Community College Eastern Arizona College Maricopa County Community College District Chandler-Gilbert Community College Estrella Mountain Community College GateWay Community College Glendale Community College Mesa Community College Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix College Rio Salado Community College Scottsdale Community College South Mountain Community College Mohave Community College Northland Pioneer College Pima Community College Yavapai College [edit] Professional sports teams Club Sport League Arizona Cardinals Football National Football League Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Major League Baseball Arizona Heat* Softball National Pro Fastpitch Arizona Rattlers Arena Football Arena Football League Arizona Sting Lacrosse National Lacrosse League Arizona Sundogs Ice hockey Central Hockey League Phoenix Coyotes Ice hockey National Hockey League Phoenix Mercury Basketball Women's National Basketball Association Phoenix Roadrunners Ice hockey East Coast Hockey League Phoenix Suns Basketball National Basketball Association Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Minor League Baseball Yuma Scorpions Baseball Golden Baseball League Due to its numerous golf courses, Arizona is home to several stops on the PGA Tour, most notably at the FBR Open, more commonly known as the Phoenix Open. With three state universities and several community colleges, college sports are also prevalent in Arizona. The intense rivalry between Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, the beginning of which predates Arizona's ascension to statehood, is the oldest rivalry in the NCAA.[39] The thus aptly named Territorial Cup, first awarded in 1889 and certified as the oldest trophy in college football,[40] is awarded to the winner of the “Duel in the Desert,” the annual football game between the two schools. Arizona also hosts several bowl games in the Bowl Championship Series. The Fiesta Bowl, originally held at Sun Devil Stadium, will now be held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The University of Phoenix Stadium was also home to the 2007 BCS National Championship Game and hosted Super Bowl XLII on February 3rd, 2008. The Insight Bowl is also held at Sun Devil Stadium. Besides being home to spring training, Arizona is also home to two other baseball leagues, Arizona Fall League and Arizona Winter League. The Fall League was founded in 1992 and is a minor league baseball

league designed for players to refine their skills and perform in game settings in front of major and minor league baseball scouts and team executives, who are in attendance at almost every game. The league got exposure when Michael Jordan started his time in baseball with the Scottsdale Scorpions. The Arizona Winter League, founded in 2007, is a professional baseball league of four teams for the independent Golden Baseball League. The games are played in Yuma at the Desert Sun Stadium, but added two new teams in the California desert, and one more in Sonora for the 2008 season. Note: The Arizona Heat is currently suspended from the NPF, with a possible return for the 2008 season. [edit] Spring training A spring training game between the two Chicago teams, the Cubs and the White Sox, at HoHoKam Park in MesaArizona is a popular location for Major League Baseball spring training, as it is the site of the Cactus League. The only other location for spring training is in Florida with the Grapefruit League. The Los Angeles Dodgers will have a new spring training facility in Glendale in 2009, which makes them the 14th team in Arizona. Spring training has been somewhat of a tradition in Arizona since 1947 (i.e. the Cleveland Indians in Tucson until 1991, and the San Diego Padres in Yuma until 1992) despite the fact that the state did not have its own major league team until the state was awarded the Diamondbacks in Phoenix as an expansion team. The state hosts the following teams: Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson Electric Park, but also held games and practiced in Casa Grande. Chicago Cubs in HoHoKam Park of Mesa. Chicago White Sox in Tucson Electric Park. Cleveland Indians in Goodyear Ballpark. Colorado Rockies in Hi Corbett Field of Tucson. Kansas City Royals in Surprise Stadium, but also in Sun Cities Park near Youngtown. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Tempe Diablo Stadium Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale Baseball Park of Phoenix. Oakland Athletics in Phoenix Municipal Stadium, but also in Indian School Park in Scottsdale. San Diego Padres in Peoria Sports Complex. San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale Stadium, but also in Papago Park of Phoenix. Seattle Mariners in Peoria Sports Complex, but also in Chandler. Texas Rangers in Surprise Stadium. Also a Japanese professional team, the Yakult Swallows held spring training camp in Yuma at the Desert Sun Stadium.[citation needed] [edit] Miscellaneous topics [edit] Art and pop culture Arizona has featured a continuous string of dancing and performing groups of many ethnicities. The state is a recognized center of Native American art, with a number of galleries such as the Heard Museum showcasing historical and contemporary works. Sedona, Jerome, and Tubac are known as budding artist colonies, and small arts scenes exist in the larger cities and near the state universities. Monument Valley in the northeastern part of the state is famous for its scenery and Hollywood Western films.Many tourist souvenirs produced in Arizona or by its residents display characteristic images, such as sunsets, coyotes, and desert plants. Several major Hollywood films, such as Billy Jack, U-Turn, Waiting to Exhale, Just One of the Guys, Can't Buy Me Love, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Scorpion King, The Banger Sisters, Used Cars, and Raising Arizona have been made there (as indeed have many Westerns). The 1993 science fiction movie Fire in the Sky, which was actually based on a reported alien abduction in Arizona, was set and filmed in the town of Snowflake. The climax of the 1977 Clint Eastwood film The Gauntlet takes place in downtown Phoenix. The final segments of the 1984 film Starman take place at Meteor Crater outside Winslow. The Jeff Foxworthy comedy documentary movie Blue Collar Comedy Tour was filmed almost entirely at the Dodge Theatre. Arguably one of the most famous examples could be Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho. Not only was some of the film shot in Phoenix, but the main character is from there as well. Some of the television shows filmed or set in Arizona include The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Alice, The First 48, Insomniac with Dave Attell, COPS, and America's Most Wanted. The 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, for which Ellen Burstyn won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and also starred Kris Kristofferson, was set in Tucson, as was the TV sitcom Alice, which was based on the movie. See also List of films shot in Arizona Arizona is prominently featured in the lyrics of many Country and Western songs, such as Jamie O'Neal's hit ballad "There is No Arizona". George Strait's "Oceanfront Property" uses the offer of "ocean front property in Arizona"

as a metaphor for a sucker proposition that is obviously false. The line "see you down in Arizona Bay" is used in a Tool song in reference to a Bill Hicks quote. The line refers to the hope that L.A. will one day fall into the ocean due to a major earthquake. "Arizona" was the title of a popular song recorded by Mark Lindsay (formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders) that was a hit during the winter of 1969-1970. Arizona's budding music scene is helped by emerging bands, as well as some well-known artists. The Gin Blossoms, Chronic Future, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Jimmy Eat World and others began their careers in Arizona. Also, a number of punk bands got their start in Arizona, including JFA, The Feederz, Sun City Girls, The Meat Puppets, and more recently Authority Zero. There is also an indie rock scene with artists such as Scary Kids Scaring Kids, The Bled, Fine China, Greeley Estates, The Stiletto Formal, The Format. Arizona also has its share of singers and other musicians. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Michelle Branch is from Sedona. Chester Bennington, the lead vocalist of Linkin Park, and mash-up artist DJ Z-Trip are both from Phoenix. One of Arizona's more infamous musicians would be shock rocker Alice Cooper, who helped define the genre. Other notable singers include country singer Marty Robbins, folk singer Katie Lee, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks, CeCe Peniston, Rex Allen, 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, and Linda Ronstadt. See also Music of Arizona [edit] Notable people Some famous Arizonans involved in politics and government are: United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor former U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio Junior Republican Senator Jon Kyl, current chairman of the Senate Minority Whip, and the No.2 Republican in the Senate. Presidential candidate (2000), (2008) and Senior Republican Senator John McCain Presidential candidate (1964) and former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater former Governor, Secretary of the Interior, and Presidential candidate (1988) Bruce Babbitt Presidential candidate (1976) and former Arizona congressman Mo Udall and his brother Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall former U.S. Senator Carl Hayden and former United States Solicitor General Rex E. Lee. Glenn Spencer - anti-illegal immigration advocate Arizona notables in culture and the arts include: Musicians Curt Kirkwood and Cris Kirkwood of alternative rock band Meat Puppets Musician Cornusset von Hump author Zane Grey architect Frank Lloyd Wright musicians Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, of Phoenix Linda Ronstadt of Tucson, Michelle Branch of Sedona, Authority Zero of Mesa, Gin Blossoms and Psychostick of Tempe, Chronic Future of Scottsdale Popular Indi-Emo Band Jimmy Eat World (Members - Jim Adkins, Tom Linton, Rick Burch and Zach Lind) poet Jim Simmerman of Flagstaff film director Steven Spielberg grew up in Scottsdale, as did David Spade and Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter. labor leader and civil rights pioneer Cesar Estrada Chavez was from San Luis, near Yuma Frederick Sommer an artist/photographer moved to Tucson in 1931 and lived in Prescott from 1935-1999 Author Stephenie Meyer Greeley Estates For a complete list, see List of people from Arizona. [edit] State symbols Cactus WrenArizona state amphibian: Arizona Treefrog (Hyla eximia) Arizona state bird: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) Arizona state butterfly: Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata) Arizona state colors: federal blue and old gold Arizona state fish: Arizona Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache) Arizona state flag: Flag of the State of Arizona Arizona state flower: Saguaro blossom (Carnegiea gigantea) Arizona state fossil: Petrified wood Arizona state gemstone: Turquoise Arizona state mammal: Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) Arizona state motto: Ditat Deus (Latin God enriches) Arizona state neckwear: Bolo tie Arizona state reptile: Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) Arizona state seal: Great Seal of the State of Arizona Arizona state slogan: Grand Canyon State Arizona state songs: Arizona March Song and Arizona Arizona state tree: Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida) [edit] See also List of Arizona-related topics Arizona portal [edit] References ^ http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html 2007 Population Estimates ^ a b "Elevations and Distances in the United States". U.S Geological Survey (April 29, 2005). Retrieved on November 3, 2006. ^ In the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor, the Secretary of State of Arizona is first in line for succession. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Arizona_%28by_population%29 ^ Arizona ^ Prescott Overview ^ Climate Assessment for the Southwest (December 1999). "The Climate of the Southwest". University of Arizona. Retrieved on 2006-03-21. ^ United States Geological Survey (September 2005). "Hydrologic Conditions in Arizona During 1999–2004: A Historical Perspective". Retrieved on 2006-03-20. ^ url=http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KPHX/2006/7/1/CustomHistory.html?

dayend=31&monthend=8&yearend=2006&req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA ^ Mean number of Days with Minimum Temperature Below 32F National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Retrieved March 24, 2007 ^ NCDC: U.S. Climate Normals ^ Thompson, Clay (2007-02-25). "A sorry state of affairs when views change". Arizona Republic. Retrieved on 2007-03-03. ^ Jim Turner. "How Arizona did NOT Get its Name". Arizona Historical Society. Retrieved on 2007-03-03. ^ Bright, William (2004). Native American Place Names of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, pg. 47 ^ Timothy Anna et al., Historia de México. Barcelona: Critica, 2001, p. 10. ^ Mexican-American War as accessed on March 16, 2007 at 7:33 MST AM ^ ARIZONA ORDINANCE OF SECESSION presented by the Col. Sherod Hunter Camp 1525, SCV, Phoenix, Arizona ^ http://www.pima.gov/cmo/sdcp/Archives/reports/Cult.html ^ Paul Besceglia - U.S. Civil War - Confederate Occupation ^ Archaeology of the Phoenix Indian School ^ "Table 1: Estimates of Population Change for the United States and States, and for Puerto Rico and State Rankings: July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006". 2006 Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division (December 22, 2006). Retrieved on December 22, 2006. ^ [Title=The New York Times 2008 Almanac|Author=edited by John W. Wright|Date=2007|Page=178] ^ http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt ^ Arizona QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau ^ Being Black in the Valley ^ http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=4& county_id=&mode=state_tops&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r ^ Pew Forum on Religion and Life Religious composition of Arizona residents, 2008. Margin of Error +/-4.5% ^ Church of Scientology of Arizona ^ http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/04_2000.asp ^ Arizona budget deficit labeled country's worst, The Business Journal of Phoenix ^ Tucson: Streetcar Plan Wins With 60% of Vote ^ World's busiest airports by traffic movements ^ World's busiest airports by passenger traffic ^ Deer Valley Airport ^ Arizona stands alone against marriage ban - Queer Lesbian Gay News - Gay.com ^ The Art Center Design College - Tucson & Albuquerque Campuses ^ Home: The Art Institute of Phoenix ^ Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, Guitar Making School, Guitar Building School, Guitar Repair School Luthiery School, Lutherie School, Guitar Building Education, Build Your Own... ^ Knauer, Tom (2006-11-22). "What is the Territorial Cup?", The Wildcat Online. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. ^ (2007) Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Records Book. National Collegiate Athletic Association. [edit] See also National Register of Historic Places listings in Arizona [edit] Further reading Bayless, Betsy, 1998, Arizona Blue Book, 1997-1998. Phoenix, Arizona. McIntyre, Allan J., 2008, The Tohono O'odham and Pimeria Alta. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, (ISBN 978-0738556338) Miller, Tom (editor), 1986, Arizona: The Land and the People. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press. (ISBN 0-8165-1004-0) Thomas, David M. (editor), 2003, Arizona Legislative Manual. In [1]. Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Legislative Council. Google Print. Retrieved January 16 2006. Trimble, Marshall, 1998, Arizona, A Cavalcade of History. Tucson, AZ: Treasure Chest Publications. (ISBN 0-918080-43-6) [edit] External links Find more about Arizona on Wikipedia's sister projects: Dictionary definitions Textbooks Quotations Source texts Images and media News stories Learning resources [edit] Official State Government website Official Website of the State of Arizona [edit] Other references Arizona State Guide, from the Library of Congress Arizona Regional Accounts Data Arizona Demographic Data from FedStats Energy Data & Statistics for Arizona Arizona State Databases - Annotated list of searchable databases produced by

Arizona state agencies and compiled by the Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association. Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Arizona Arizona State Facts Arizona Republic -- daily newspaper serving the state History topics timeline of Arizona 1862-1962[2] [edit] Tourism information Official Arizona Office of Tourism Arizona Game & Fish Department (Hunting, Boating & Fishing) Arizona State Parks Arizona Russian Center American Southwest, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary [hide]v • d • e State of Arizona Phoenix (capital) Topics Climate | Culture | Economy | Education | Geography | History | People | Transportation | Visitor Attractions Regions Arizona Strip | Coconino Plateau | Colorado Plateau | Grand Canyon | Kaibab Plateau | Mogollon Plateau | Mogollon Rim | Mojave Desert | Monument Valley | North Central Arizona | Northeast Arizona | Northern Arizona | Oak Creek Canyon | Phoenix Metropolitan Area | Safford area | San Francisco Volcanic Field | Sonoran Desert | Southern Arizona | Verde Valley | White Mountains Counties Apache | Cochise | Coconino | Gila | Graham | Greenlee | La Paz | Maricopa | Mohave | Navajo | Pima | Pinal | Santa Cruz | Yavapai | Yuma Cities Chandler | Flagstaff | Gilbert | Glendale | Kingman | Lake Havasu City | Mesa | Peoria | Phoenix | Prescott | Scottsdale | Sierra Vista | Tempe | Tucson | Yuma [show]v • d • ePolitical divisions of the United States States Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) Insular areas American Samoa · Guam · Northern Mariana Islands · Puerto Rico · U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Bajo Nuevo Bank · Baker Island · Howland Island · Jarvis Island · Johnston Atoll · Kingman Reef · Midway Atoll · Navassa Island · Palmyra Atoll · Serranilla Bank · Wake Island [show]v • d • eUS West (as defined by the United States Census Bureau) Mountain Arizona · Colorado · Idaho · Montana · Nevada · New Mexico · Utah Pacific Alaska · California · Hawaii · Oregon · Washington Preceded by New Mexico List of U.S. states by date of statehood Admitted on February 14, 1912 (48th) Succeeded by Alaska Coordinates: 34°N 112°W / 34, -112 Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona" Categories: States and territories established in 1912 | Arizona | States of the United States | Former Spanish colonies