Arizona is located in the southwest of the United States and is one of the "Four Corner States". The name comes from the "Four Corners Monument", located where the four states (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah) come together. It is the only region in the U.S.A., where four states border each other. The capital and largest city of Arizona is Phoenix, with approximately 1,567,924 inhabitants. The second largest city is Tucson (525,529 inhabitants) followed by Mesa, Glendale, Chandler and Scottsdale.
On February 14th, 1912 Arizona became the 48th state of the United States. It is known for its desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature from late fall to early spring is quite mild with a minimum of 60°F (16°C). The coldest months are November until February, where the temperature ranges from 40-17 °F (4-24 °C).
There are different opinions of where the name "Arizona" comes from. Historians support the origin of the phrase aritz ona "good oak," and alĭ ṣonak, "small spring". But the Basque etymology is the one preferred by people from Arizona.
There is a great influence of Spanish and Indian culture. In 1821 Mexico achieved its independence from Spain. What is now Arizona became part of the Mexican Territory Nueva California, also known as Alta California. 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 the part, which later became Arizona.
Cotton farming and copper mining were the most important industries of Arizona, but they suffered heavily during the Great Depression. Tourism began to be an important industry of Arizona in the 1920s and 1930s. People came to Arizona to live on ranches and to experience the flavor and life of the "old West." Several upscale hotels and resorts opened during this period and some of them are still open for tourists today.
Arizona also is a state with great nature. Within Arizona one can find 23 national parks, national monuments and nature reserves, 67 lakes, 25 historical locations and recreation areas. The most famous canyon is surely the Grand Canyon, which is one of the oldest national parks of the United States. The park covers 1,902 mi² (4,927 km²).
Arizona's neighbor to the south, Mexico, is very easy to reach from Arizona. It is an enchanting place to visit and offers travelers several unique and diverse experiences.
Did you know that there is only one place in the U.S, where mail is still delivered by mule? That place is in Havasupai, located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.