Arizona/Phoenix Facts

The Grand Canyon State, Arizona was the 48th state to join the U.S. in 1912 - the last of the 48 contiguous states to join the Union .

Phoenix , Arizona was incorporated in 1881, 31 years before Arizona became a state. Phoenix 's elevation is 1,117 feet and is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert . Local residents and visitors enjoy more than 300 sunshine-filled days annually. Phoenix has an average of 7.66 inches of rain and an average annual high temperature of 85 degrees.

Phoenix is one of the three fastest growing cities in the country and the nation's fifth largest city with a population of nearly 1.4 million people. The Greater Phoenix area has a population of 3.5 million.

Phoenix attracts nearly 12 million visitors annually from around the world and all walks of life. They come to enjoy the region's world class resorts, first-rate golf courses and professional sporting events.

There are museums and cultural events in Phoenix to fit nearly every taste. From the Art and Native American museums, the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Museum of History - the exhibits are all outstanding.

There are also zoos, wildlife parks, botanical gardens, theatres, historic sites and a diverse nightlife - filled with award winning gourmet dining and 4 professional sports franchises.

Phoenix has it all - no matter what your taste or interests may be!

Source: Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce