Capital: Phoenix

Governor: Jane Dee Hull, R (to Jan. 2003)

Senators: Jon Kyl, R (to Jan. 2007); John McCain, R(to Jan. 2005)

Secy. of State: Betsey Bayless, R (to Jan. 2003)

Atty. General: Janet Napolitano, D (to Jan. 2003)

Treasurer: Carol Springer, R (to Jan. 2003)

Organized as territory: Feb. 24, 1863

Entered Union (rank): Feb. 14, 1912 (48)

Present constitution adopted: 1911

Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches)

State Symbols:

Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan friar, was the first European to explore Arizona. He entered the area in 1539 in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Although he was followed a year later by another gold seeker, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, most of the early settlement was for missionary purposes. In 1775 the Spanish established Fort Tucson. In 1848, after the Mexican War, most of the Arizona territory became part of the U.S., and the southern portion of the territory was added by the Gadsden Purchase in 1853.

Arizona history is rich in legends of America's Old West. It was here that the great Indian chiefs Geronimo and Cochise led their people against the frontiersmen. Tombstone, Ariz., was the site of the West's most famous shoot-out-the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Today, Arizona has one of the largest U.S. Indian populations; more than 14 tribes are represented on 20 reservations.

Manufacturing has become Arizona's most important industry. Principal products include electrical, communications, and aeronautical items. The state produces over half of the country's copper. Agriculture is also important to the state's economy. In 1973 one of the world's most massive dams, the New Cornelia Tailings, was completed near Ajo.

State attractions include the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fort Apache, and the reconstructed London Bridge at Lake Havasu City.

Nickname: Grand Canyon State

Origin of name: From the Indian "Arizonac," meaning "little spring" or "young spring"

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

Land area: 113,642 sq mi. (296,400 sq km)

Geographic center: In Yavapai Co., 55 mi. ESE of Prescott

Number of counties: 15

Largest county by population and area: : Maricopa, 2,861,395 (1999 est.); Coconino, 18,619 sq mi.

State parks: 28

Residents: Arizonan, Arizonian

1999 resident population est.: 4,778,332

1990 resident census population (rank): 3,665,228 (24). Male: 1,810,691; Female: 1,854,537. White: 2,963,186 (80.8%); Black: 110,524 (3.0%); American Indian: 203,527 (5.6%); Asian: 55,206 (1.5%); Other race: 332,785 (9.1%); Hispanic: 688,338 (18.8%). 1990 percent population under 18: 26.8; 65 and over: 13.1; median age: 32.0.