ARIZONA derives its name from two Indian words meaning "Little Spring"

STATEHOOD was awarded to Arizona by President Taft on February 12,1912 causing Arizona to be known as the "Valentine State".

STATE BIRD The cactus wren which builds its nest in thorny cactus through out the state.

STATE FLOWER The blossom of the saguaro, the largest cactus in the United States.

STATE GEM Turquoise, an aqua blue stone used by Indians for centuries.

STATE TREE The Palo Verde which is bright green and blossoms in the spring with yellow flowers.

STATE SEAL (The 5 C'S) Climate, Cotton, Copper, Cattle and Citrus represents five areas of the past economy base.

STATE NICKNAMES Grand Canyon State, the Copper State and the Nation's Valentine.

STATE CAPITOL Phoenix

STATE AREA 113,909 square miles.

Arizona boasts an average of 308 days of sunshine per year.

Arizona has more boats per capita than any other state in the nation.

The highest point in Arizona is Humphreys peak at 12,633 feet.

The lowest point in Arizona is near Yuma at 70 feet.

Phoenix boasts the largest municipal park in the world, South Mountain Park.

Nearly 25% of Arizona is covered by forest. Arizona has the largest continuous stand of Ponderosa Pine in the world.

There are 20 Indian Reservations in Arizona, representing 14 different tribes.

Arizona has more Humming Bird species (16) than any other state.

It takes a saguaro cactus 50 years to grow an arm.