State Abbreviation - AZ
State Capital - Phoenix
Largest City - Phoenix
Area - 114,006 square miles [Arizona is the 6th biggest state in the USA)
Population - 6,482,505 (as of 2011) [Arizona is the 20th most populous state in the USA]
Name for Residents - Arizonans
Major Industries - mining (copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver), manufacturing, and tourism
Major Rivers - Colorado River, Little Colorado River, Gila River, Bill Williams River
Major Lakes - Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, San Carlos Lake, Lake Powell
Highest Point - Humphreys Peak - 12,633 feet (3,581 m) above sea level
Bordering States - California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
Bordering Country - Mexico
Origin of the Name Arizona - The word Arizona comes from one of the following (its origin is not certain): the Aztec Indian word "arizuma," that means "silver-bearing," from the Tohono O'odham Indian word "Aleh-zone" which means "small spring," or the Pima Indian word "Ali shonak" which also means "small spring."
State Nickname - Grand Canyon State
State Motto - "Ditat Deus," God Enriches

On Valentine’s Day 1912 Arizona became a state. The word Arizona means "little spring" in the Papago language. The state is located in the southwestern region of the United States, and is filled with a rich history of artifacts from past inhabitants. Many of the ruins and artifacts can be toured with Southwest Custom Tours at the State and National Parks found in Arizona.

As the pioneers and  seekers of a fortune in the areas rich miming explored further into the Arizona territory, the Apache Indian tribes began to revolt. Cochise and Geronimo were two of the most powerful leaders of these rebellious clans. Hiding in the hot desert canyons of Arizona they lead many successful raids against the encroaching white settlers.

The arts play a major role in Arizona, The culture and history of Arizona has been inspiration for many artists who work in many different mediums including paint sculpture and bronze, you will find a variety of public art in the area.

FORE! Golfing is a big favorite for visitors to Arizona during the winter months. There are several professional class courses in Arizona. One of which, The Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale is host to a PGA golf tournament The FBR Open which is played every January in Scottsdale.