Arizona
About Arizona
Arizona is part of the western United States and the mountain west. Phoenix is the capital and largest city in the state. Tucson and Prescott are other large cities. Arizona borders New Mexico, Utah, California, Nevada, and Mexico. It also touches Colorado on its northeastern corner. The state has the Grand Canyon and other national forests, parks and monuments. The beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the biggest attractions to this hot desert state. It is said that if Arizona was a country in itself, it would be ranked 61 in terms of the largest economy in the world, which makes it higher than countries like Ireland, Finland and New Zealand.
State Nickname
For obvious reasons, Arizona is called 'The Grand Canyon State'. The name has been given to celebrate one of the most famous natural features in the area. The state is sometimes also called the 'Copper State' due to the large copper mineral resource that is found here.
Climate Summary
The climate of the state cannot be classified into one type. The large area of the state and the hills, the climate is fairly localized in different parts. At lower altitudes the climate is mostly desert like and the areas experience hot summers and mild winters.
State Tax Situation
The income tax in Arizona is divided into 5 brackets. These are 2.87%, 3.20%, 3.74%, 4.72% and 5.04%. The sales tax levied in Arizona is 6.6 percent and there are also municipal taxes that are added on. These can be about 2 percent extra.
Government Summary
The legislature of the state is bicameral and has a 30 member senate and 60 member House of Representatives. These are selected from each of the legislative districts. The state representatives are elected for 2 years in a row and they can be elected 4 times in a row. The executive branch is headed by a governor and there is also the Arizona Supreme Court in the state.
State Seal
The seal of the state of Arizona has the words 'Great Seal of the State of Arizona' on the top. At the bottom one can see '1912' indicating the year Arizona received statehood. The motto of the state 'Ditat Deus' is written in the center of the seal. The seal basically portrays the landscape and industry of the state.
Motto & Description
The official motto of the state is 'Ditat Deus' which means 'God Enriches'. It was adopted in 1863 initially as the motto for the Arizona Territory and has continued to be the motto of the state ever since.
State Flag
The state flag of Arizona has 13 rays of red and gold color on the top half of the flag. These represent the 13 original colonies of the Union. The bottom half of the flag has the liberty blue also seen in the flag of the United States. In the center is an orange star too.
State Bird
The Cactus Wren is the state bird for Arizona. It is about 7 to 8 inches long and builds its nest in the thorny desert plants. This bird was adopted as the state bird in 1973.
State Flower
The state flower of the desert state of Arizona is the Saguaro Cactus Blossom. It was adopted officially in 1901. The flower bloom sin May and June and has a waxy feel and extremely fragrant aroma.
State Animal
The Ringtail Cat is the official animal of the state of Arizona. This animal is not part of the cat family but belongs to the raccoon family. It is native to arid regions and therefore a resident of the state of Arizona.
State Song And Description
The Arizona March Song is the state song for Arizona. The song was written by Margaret Rowe Clifford and composed by Maurice Blumenthal. The song details the natural beauty of the state and beckons all to come and enjoy it.
State Colors
The state colors of Arizona are Blue and old Gold. While the blue is the liberty blue of the US flag, the gold indicates the western setting sun.