Key Facts
- Per Capita Real GDP
- $33,655 Rank: 35/50 (2007)
- Population
- 6,500,180 Rank: 14/50 (2008)
- Per Capita Personal Income
- $31,458 Rank: 39/50 (2006)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.30% Rank: 21/50 (2008)
- Business Tax Climate Index
- Rank: 25/50 (2008)
State Map
Navigation
Arizona: Introduction
In 1912, Arizona became the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the Union. The land was acquired during the Mexican War with a portion later obtained through the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. Arizona is located between California and New Mexico and borders Mexico to the south. It is one of only two states that does not observe Daylight Savings Time (with the exception of the Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state). Famous for its Grand Canyon, Arizona has a largely dry desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. The exception is Northern Arizona, which resides on a higher plateau and tends to have lower temperatures.
Post World War II, growth was aided by the development of air conditioning which made Arizona’s torrid summers more bearable. Manufacturing has become Arizona's most important industry, with the industry’s principal products including electrical, semi conductor, communications, and aeronautical items. Arizona’s original export activities – agriculture and mining – still serve as significant contributors to the state economy. Agricultural products include cattle, calves, dairy products, and cotton. In addition, over half of the nation’s copper is produced in Arizona.
Arizona’s largely dry climate has forced it to depend on complex irrigation systems for its water supply and has frequently landed it in legal battles over water rights. One of the most important battles was with California over the allotment of water and power from the Colorado River. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Arizona and the state now receives an allotment of 3.5 billion cubic meters of water each year. Restrictions have recently been made on groundwater pumping in an effort to combat dropping water tables in certain areas of Arizona. Conservation efforts include more efficient plumbing, changes to farming methods, and the usage of lower-quality waters when possible.
