International Student.com ranks Arizona as one of the most popular states for international students! Read for a broad overview of the 6th largest state in the United States.
Welcome to the Grand Canyon State!
The State of Arizona boasts one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Grand Canyon! Here among our lush desert landscapes, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain peaks you will experience one of the most beautiful and unique places in the United States. From small communities to one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Arizona offers travelers and residents unforgettable experiences packed with hospitality, adventure, and stunning sights.
Taken from The Office of Arizona Tourism - read more here.
In addition to the Grand Canyon, the American Southwest is filled with some of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the United States. Arizona is a also great hub to explore some of the United States’ most spectacular scenery as well as some world renowned cities including Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, California.
Native Americans
Did you know the word "Arizona" is an Uto-Aztecan Indian word? It means "little spring" in the Tohono O'odham language. The Tohono O'odham are but one of the native tribal peoples of Arizona.
In Arizona, Native Indian tribes contribute greatly to the spiritual, cultural and economic life of the state. Home to 22 federally recognized tribes, communities and nations, each tribe has its own vibrant culture. These include the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascau Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute, Tohono O'odham Nation, Tonto Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation and Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. The Zuni Tribe has a land base in Arizona, but its population lives in New Mexico.
Taken from Native Languages of the Americas - read more here
Tell Me More About the State of Arizona
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic economies in the nation. Both Fortune 500 and start-up technology companies call Arizona home, reaping the advantages of a competitive business climate and tax structure; a skilled, knowledge based workforce; and world-class innovation, cultural and scenic resources. 2006)
Arizona's fast growing population is younger than the national average. The state's median age is 34.2, compared to the rest of the U.S. at 35.3 years. The proportion of those younger than 25, as well as those over 65, is roughly the same as the nation as a whole.
Taken from the Arizona Commerce Authority - read more here.
Maricopa County History
Most of what is now Maricopa County was included as part of the Territory of New Mexico until 1863, when the Arizona Territory was established. The growth of Phoenix and other settlements along the Salt River resulted in the creation of Maricopa County - officially established on February 17, 1871. It was the first new county of the original four counties of Territorial Arizona. The County was named in honor of the Maricopa Indians, who were known to have inhabited the area as early as 1775. Maricopa County's outer geographical boundaries were set in 1881 and have not changed since.
Learn more about Maricopa County - visit their website.
The Arizona Genealogy & History Project can provide you a wealth of information about Arizona and Maricopa County that you will find fascinating.
Mesa, Arizona
Located in the Valley of the Sun, Mesa is just minutes from Phoenix and Scottsdale. From dawn to dusk, your days in Mesa will be graced with the flavor of the desert Southwest. Explore the mysterious Superstition Mountains, test your skills as a fighter combat pilot, get creative at an interactive children's art venue, or see a Broadway play.
Outdoor adventure is just minutes away! With over 320 days of sunshine each year, you can explore the desert terrain in a Jeep or Hummer, go hiking, golfing, horseback riding, or tubing down the Salt River! When the sun goes down, you can let music, dance and drama fill your nights along with the aroma of Southwest cuisine. In Mesa, we do all that we can for our visitors, knowing the real treasure of the city lies in its people - no matter how long they stay.
Read more about Mesa, Arizona's 3rd largest city and an International City of Peace!
Weather
Arizona can have some of the best weather in the nation between the months of September through May! Depending on the month, the temperature averages between 65-95 Fahrenheit degrees (19 - 35 Celsius degrees) during the day and 45-77°F (7 - 25°C) at night. From June through August, temperatures typically average over 100°F (38°C) during the day, however, it is a dry heat.
Our winter temperatures can be chilly, reaching temperatures of 50 - 60°F (10 - 16 °C). It snows in many higher elevations such as Flagstaff, Prescott, and at the Grand Canyon.