State Flag:
The 13 rays of red and gold on the
top half of the flag represent both the 13 original colonies of the Union,
and the rays of the Western setting sun. Red and gold were also the colors
carried by Coronado's Spanish expedition in search of the Seven Cities
of Cibola in 1540. The bottom half of the flag has the same Liberty blue
as the United States flag. Since Arizona was the largest producer of copper
in the nation, a copper star was placed in the flag's center.
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Flower: Saguaro cactus blossom
State Tree: Palo Verde
State Gem: Turquoise, the blue green waxy-surfaced stone used for
centuries in Indian jewelry
Official Neckwear: The Bola Tie (silver bola tie adorned with
turquoise is generally considered the official style)
State Motto: Ditat Deus (God Enriches)
State Song: "Arizona" (lyrics: Margret R. Clifford, music: Maurice
Blumenthal)
State Seal: The state's original key enterprises are symbolized on
Arizona's official seal: reclamation, farming, cattle raising, and mining.
In 1912 Arizona was admitted to the Union. Ditat Deus means God enriches.
State Capital City: Phoenix (largest city in state)
State Population: 4,700,000 (21st largest in USA)
Arizona's Land Area: 113,510 square miles
(6th largest state in USA)
State Governor: Jane Dee Hull (Republican Party)
Date of Statehood: February 14, 1912
Origin of State's Name: Spanish
interpretation of "arizuma," an Aztec Indian word meaning "silver-bearing." Also
based on Pima Indian word "arizonac" for "little spring place."
Border States: California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
