The state's name comes from "arizonac", a Papago Indian word meaning "place of the small spring". Arizona was the 48th state to join the U.S. in 1912 - the last of 48 contiguous (connected) states to join the Union. Arizona, once thought to be an almost worthless desert, is now prosperous  - the fastest growing state in the country.  It is rich in farm and mineral products and manufacturing is growing rapidly.  Vast irrigation systems have transformed the desert into rich farmland. Although the desert summers are very hot, the desert winters are warm and pleasant. Dude ranches, historic sites and magnificent scenery draw travelers to Arizona. The outstanding scenic feature is Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world.

GOVERNMENT:
Capital: Phoenix
Governor: Janet Napolitano, D (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: v/"> Jon Kyl, R (to Jan. 2007); > John McCain, R (to Jan. 2005)
House of Representatives: 8 districts | > Search by zip code

STATISTICS:
Population (July 2001): 5,306,966; National Rank: 20; Percent change since April 2000: 3.4%
Land Area: 113,642 sq mi. (296,400 sq km)
10 largest cities (2000): Phoenix, 1,321,045; Tucson, 486,699; Mesa, 396,375; Glendale, 218,812; Scottsdale, 202,705; Chandler, 176,581; Tempe, 158,625; Gilbert, 109,697; Peoria, 108,364; Yuma, 77,515

ECONOMY:
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 143,683; National rank: 23; Percent change since 1990: 109%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 2 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2000: $25,878; National rank: 38 (85% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 12,513: National Rank: 16
Agriculture: Cattle, cotton, dairy products, lettuce, nursery stock, hay.
Industry: Copper and other mining, electric equipment, transportation equipment, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, electronics, tourism.