The best thing about the Western United States is the fact that it contains some of the most beautiful, unexplored and well-preserved natural areas in the world. Arizona is a great place to see wildlife in bright sunlight. This beautiful state is visited by more than 32.1 millions people every year. We still consider it underrated.
We have the information you need to help you plan your trip to Arizona. These are some facts about Arizona that you can share with your family and friends.
Arizona Fun Facts
Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State or the Copper State is one of those states you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It borders Colorado, Nevada, California and New Mexico. This is a great place to start a southwest road trip. We love Arizona’s unique mix of historic significance, natural beauty, and Native American culture. These fun facts about Arizona will help you get a better understanding of this wonderful American state, whether you visit Sedona to see the red rock formations or to explore the vibrant city of Phoenix.
Arizona was not a state until 1912
You probably know some information about Arizona’s history if you are from Mexico or the US. Arizona, like many other states in the Western United States, was once part of Mexico. The US took about half of Mexico’s land following the Mexican-American War.
Although the land was given to Arizona in 1848, it wasn’t made a state until 1912. Arizona is now the 48th state of the Union. It was in Spanish ownership before Mexican ownership. This is the main reason many landmarks and names are given to towns, cities and memorials in the state.
The land was relatively unpopulated at the time. However, it has since grown to be the 14th largest US state by population. It currently houses over 7.28million people. This is nearly half a million more than Massachusetts which was one of the first colonies to be densely populated on the continent.
Arizona Capital is Bigger Than You Think
Phoenix, unlike other state capitals is the most prominent and well-known in Arizona. This is not true in all 50 states, but only Boston, Denver, Providence and a few other cities.
Phoenix, Texas is second, while Austin, Texas is third. Phoenix is home to 1.76 millions people. This makes it the fifth-largest US city after Houston, TX.
The metro area is much larger than you might think. The metro area is home to 4.95 million people, more than Vermont or Wyoming. Arizona’s capital is where most residents live.
It snows in Arizona
We won’t lie to you about Arizona being snowy. And we don’t recommend that you bring your snow gear and skis if you’re visiting in winter. Snowfall can still be found in Arizona’s desert areas, especially at night.
The state averages just under five inches of snow per year. Some areas in the northern highlands get even more. Although it isn’t much, it’s something to be aware of, given that most people assume Arizonans never see snow.
In Arizona Water Is A Problem
We are not trying to mislead you. The water in Arizona can be sipped throughout the entire state. Access to water is an increasing concern.
Despite Arizona being short of trees, you can still visit Home Depot to purchase lumber at the same price you would in the Pacific Northwest. Water is much more difficult to transport.
The Colorado River is the source of 36% Arizona’s water supply. This significant tributary has been experiencing unprecedented shortages due to climate change. These projected trends could continue and lead to Arizona facing a serious water shortage within the next few years or decades.
Phoenix is the Hottest City in The USA
The average Phoenix high temperature is more than 100F between June and September (37.7C). Although there is low humidity in Phoenix, it is hot and humid in most parts of the city. This makes it the US’s hottest city.
The average August high temperature is 88F (31.1C). The city has an innovative plan to address this problem, and it’s working great! It’s simple: plant more trees.
Although it sounds absurd, planting trees can provide shade and cooling effects for much less than any modern technology.
Arizona doesn’t follow Daylight Savings Time
You may be surprised to learn that Arizona is ahead of the rest of the country in Daylight Savings Time. Most people don’t get the bizarre tradition of changing the clocks only a few times per year. They believe it’s to benefit the farmers.
Arizona has known since long that this is not the case. They haven’t followed the tradition since 1968. Arizona is a great place to live if you don’t want to lose an hour of sleep each year. One exception is the Navajo Nation, located in the North-East corner Arizona.
