Arizona general data
- Time zone: 9 hours less than Italy
- Capital: Phoenix
- Main towns: Tucson, Yuma, Flagstaff.
- Area: 260 km²
- Population: Approximately 6,700,000 inhabitants.
- Population density: 22,6 residents / km²
- State abbreviation: AZ
- Entry into the United States: Joins the United States on February 14, 1912 and is the 48th state to join the union.
According to thembaprograms.com, the name Arizona comes from “the little springs” in the language of the Papago Indians of the area. The state of Arizona is geomorphologically a section of the Great Basin and Great Range of the southwestern United States. Its major natural regions are the Mexican Plateau, the Sonoran Desert and the Colorado Plateau. The Mexican Plateau is a mountain range that runs diagonally across the state from southeast to northwest, along the range, to the southwest, lies the Sonoran Desert. This area is characterized by a succession of hills and steep valleys. Most of the peaks do not exceed 2,400 meters, however, some of them are higher such as Mount Graham, or Mount Lemmon.
The Colorado Plateau spans a large section of the state’s northeast. This plateau stretched out from the states of Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. In fact, this plateau is not uniform but a succession of plains (with heights ranging between 1,524 and 2,743 m) and valleys. In this area there are many Canyons (such as the famous and spectacular Grand Canyon and Canyon of Chelly) and volcanic mountains (including Mount Humphreys 3,862m, the highest point in Arizona).
The most important rivers that flow through Arizona are the Colorado and its tributaries. Colorado enters the state from Utah. This flows approximately 350 km in the canyon area and forms the natural border between Nevada and Arizona, and between Arizona and California. Its most important tributaries in Arizona are the Gila, the Little Colorado. Arizona has not only natural lakes, but many artificial lakes have been created including Lake Powell, Mead, Mohave, Havasu, San Carlos, Theodore Roosevelt, and Apache.
Flora and fauna – The desert plains are dotted with sage bushes, cacti and mesquite plants. In the hilly areas large grassy expanses and woods dominate, consisting of oaks, in the warm areas, and of small-stemmed pines in the colder ones. On the mountains, however, maple, poplar and fir trees are widespread. The fauna is also extremely varied: alongside rodents (beavers and squirrels) there are numerous large wild animals, such as brown bears, pumas, deer, antelope and moose. Reptiles, present in large numbers, include different types of lizards (including a poisonous species the “Gila monster”), rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Finally, over 400 species of birds can be found, including rarities such as the beautiful trogon bird.
Climate – Arizona enjoys a varied climate, and in general, hot and dry. Its climate is considered benign, and has attracted many people to the southeastern area around Phoenix. In this area of the capital, the maximum temperatures in summer are 38 ° C, although in March, the average temperatures are 25 ° C, and the minimum temperature of 6 ° C. On the contrary, in the central mountainous area, the minimum temperature in winter is -10 ° C. The state’s average rainfall is 330 mm per year, although in some areas, such as Yuma, the driest area, it does not exceed 76 mm per year; while in the area of the White Mountains there is more abundant rainfall, with 635 mm.
Phoenix
According to countryaah.com, the city of Phoenix is located in central Arizona, in the Salt River Valley, east of the Sonoran Desert. At 337 m above sea level, its climate is very healthy, mild and not very humid, with average annual temperatures of 22 ° C ranging between 10.5 ºC in January and 31 ° C in August.
According to topschoolsoflaw.com, the city of Phoenix had a population of 983,403, (now approximately 1,600,000 inhabitants), according to the 1990 census, which means that it has had a rapid population growth, compared to the previous decade. Considering its metropolitan area, the city was home to approximately 2,120,000 inhabitants in the reporting year, 1990, making it the largest city in Arizona and the ninth largest city in the United States. For ethnic and cultural groups, the population is mostly white, followed by Hispanics and blacks.
What to see – The center of Phoenix has many historical monuments, while the hinterland, home to the famous design studio Taliesin West, is also frequented by tourists for spas and accommodation facilities during the winter months, when the temperature is very high. mild.
The central area, where the city developed in the 19th century, covers a few blocks east and west of Central Avenue and north and south of Washington Street. The latter overlooks the dome of the Arizona State Capitol Museum, originally the seat of the state parliament. To the west is the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum which traces the history of Arizona’s mines. There are photographs, historical tools and minerals. The history of the city is also captured in the restored Victorian homes that overlook the tree-lined Heritage Square. Some are used as a tea room or house small museums. The events of Phoenix’s early life are also documented in the opposite Phoenix Museum of History. The museum has unusual objects, including a steam bike and a reconstruction of the city’s first prison. Amidst these historic buildings is the futuristic Arizona Science Center, with more than 300 interactive sections. A short drive north takes you to the renowned Phoenix Art Museum, famous for its interesting temporary exhibitions. The Heard Museum, further north, was founded in 1929 by landowner and publisher Dwight Heard. His wife Maie amassed an impressive collection of Southwestern Native American art. The museum has more than 30,000 pieces. In addition, the prized section called Home: Native People in the Southwest exhibits Native American tableware, jewelry and textiles. Other interesting galleries are the Sandra Day O’Connor Gallery and the Freeman Gallery.
