The "Grand Canyon State," Arizona, was the 48th
state to join the U.S. in 1912-- the last of 48 contiguous
(connected) states to join the Union. The state's name comes from
arizonac, from two Papago Indian words meaning "place of the
young spring." Arizona has a very dry climate and is known
for its cactus plants. In fact, the state flower is the saguaro
cactus blossom.
State Flower: Flower of Saguaro Cactus
State Motto: God Enriches
State Nickname: Grand Canyon State
State Bird: Cactus Wren
Land area: 113,642 sq mi. - Length: 400 Miles - Width: 310 Miles
10 largest cities (1999 est.): Phoenix, 1,211,466; Tucson, 466,591; Mesa, 368,811;
Glendale, 201,456; Scottsdale, 199,943; Chandler, 169,053; Tempe, 167,740;
Gilbert, 97,590; Peoria, 94,170; Yuma, 63,059 - Persons per square mile (1999): 42.0
