State (pop., 2000: 5,130,632), southwestern U.S. Bordered by Mexico and the U.S. states of Utah, New Mexico, California, and Nevada, it covers 114,006 sq mi (295,275 sq km).
Its capital is Phoenix . Its highest point is Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 ft (3,850 m). The site of Grand Canyon and Apache and Navajo Indians arrived after the collapse of the Anasazi and Hohokam civilizations. They were followed in the 16th century by Spanish treasure seekers from Mexico, including Francisco Vazquez de Coronado , establishing Mexico's claim to the area. In 1776 the Mexican army built the first presidio at {{link=Tucson">Tucson . After the Mexican War , Arizona was ceded to the U.S. as part of New Mexico in 1848; the Gadsden Purchase was added in 1853. Organized as a territory in 1863, Arizona became the 48th state in 1912. Though still lightly populated, it has grown rapidly in population in recent decades, largely because of its climate. About one-sixth of the population is Spanish-speaking; another 5% is Indian, including Navajo, Hopi , Apache, Papago , and Pima . Its diverse economy includes agriculture, mining, aerospace, electronics, and tourism.