Arizona is located in the southwestern United States. It is bordered by Utah, New Mexico, Mexico, and, across the Colorado R., Nevada and California. Arizona became a state in 1912.
Area, 113,909 sq mi (295,024 sq km).
Pop. (2005) 5,939,292, a 15.8% increase since the 2000 census.
Capital and largest city, Phoenix Metro area whose population as of 2005 is 3,635,528 & is growing at a rate of 17.4% per year or 423 people per day!
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.
The state's principal crops are cotton (as in Pima cotton which is grown on the Pima Indian Reservation near Scottsdale), lettuce, cauliflowers, broccoli, and sorghum. Cattle, calves, and dairy goods are, however, the most valuable Arizona farm products. Manufacturing is the leading economic activity, with electronics, printing and publishing, processed foods, and aerospace and transportation leading sectors. High-technology research and development, 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. Copper is the state's most valuable mineral; Arizona leads the nation in production. Other leading resources are molybdenum, sand, gravel, and cement. 
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