State of Arizona
Nicknames: The Grand Canyon State, The Copper State
Motto(s): Ditat Deus (God enriches)
Date of Statehood: February 14, 1912 (48th state)
State Song: “Arizona March Song” by Margaret Rowe Clifford and “Arizona” by Rex Allen, Jr.
Arizona Flag History
The flag of Arizona is a vivid tapestry of color and design, encapsulating the state’s natural beauty and historical legacy. Adopted on February 17, 1917, the flag’s lower half consists of a field of blue, mirroring the color in the United States flag. Above this field sits 13 rays of red and gold, symbolizing Arizona’s picturesque sunsets and its status as one of the original 13 colonies to rebel against British rule. These colors also pay homage to the Spanish flags carried by Coronado when he came to Arizona in the 16th century.
At the flag’s core lies a copper-colored star, representing Arizona’s copper mining industry, once the state’s most substantial economic driver. The copper star is set against a field of navy, symbolizing the state’s loyalty to the United States.
Though its design has remained consistent since its adoption, the Arizona flag is more than a state symbol. It represents the state’s transformation from a predominantly mining and agricultural hub to a modern leader in manufacturing and technology. The flag’s elements reflect the state’s diverse landscapes, from the arid deserts to the lush mountain ranges, and its rich cultural tapestry, making it a profound representation of Arizona’s past, present, and future.
Arizona Quick Facts
Capital City: Phoenix
Abbreviation: AZ
Population: Approximately 7.2 million
Region: Southwest, Mountain West
Origin of State Name: Likely derived from the O’odham word “Ali-shonak” meaning “small spring”
Sports Teams: Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
Bordering States: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico
Area Codes: 480, 520, 602, 623, 928
Highest Point: Humphreys Peak at 12,637 feet (3,852 meters)
Lowest Point: Colorado River at 70 feet (21 meters)
Geography of Arizona
Area: 113,990 square miles (295,234 square kilometers), 6th largest
Land: 113,594 square miles (294,207 square kilometers), 6th largest
Water: 396 square miles (1,026 square kilometers), 38th largest
Coastline: None
Shoreline: None (landlocked state)
Largest Cities:
- Phoenix
- Tucson
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Glendale
- Gilbert
- Tempe
- Peoria
- Surprise
- Yuma
- Avondale
- Flagstaff
- Goodyear
- Lake Havasu City
National Parks:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
Arizona State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Animal: Ringtail
State Amphibian: Arizona Tree Frog
State Butterfly: Two-tailed Swallowtail
State Fish: Apache Trout
State Flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Palo Verde Beetle
State Mammal: Ringtail
State Reptile: Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: None
State Gemstone: Turquoise
State Soil: Casa Grande
State Tree: Palo Verde
State Quarter: Issued in 2008 featuring the Grand Canyon and a Saguaro cactus
State Beverage: None
State Colors: Federal Blue and Old Gold
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None
State Fossil: Petrified wood
State Mineral: Copper
State Rock: Petrified wood