Its other neighboring states are Nevada to the northwest and California to the west. It also shares an international border with the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California to the south and southwest. It is the 6th-largest and the 14th-most-populous of the 50 states. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix , which is the most populous state capital in the United States. Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, After being defeated in the MexicanβAmerican War , Mexico ceded much of this territory to the United States in , where the area became part of the territory of New Mexico.
The southernmost portion of the state was acquired in through the Gadsden Purchase. Southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Northern Arizona features forests of pine, Douglas fir , and spruce trees; the Colorado Plateau ; mountain ranges such as the San Francisco Mountains ; as well as large, deep canyons , with much more moderate summer temperatures and significant winter snowfalls.
There are ski resorts in the areas of Flagstaff , Sunrise , and Tucson. In addition to the internationally known Grand Canyon National Park , which is one of the world's seven natural wonders , there are several national forests , national parks , and national monuments.
Arizona is home to a diverse population. About one-quarter of the state [ 12 ] [ 13 ] is made up of Indian reservations that serve as the home of 27 federally recognized Native American tribes , including the Navajo Nation , the largest in the state and the country, with more than , citizens.
Since the s, the proportion of Hispanics has grown significantly owing to migration from Mexico and Central America. Arizona's population and economy have grown dramatically since the s because of inward migration, and the state is now a major hub of the Sun Belt. Cities such as Phoenix and Tucson have developed large, sprawling suburban areas. The state is known for a history of conservative politicians such as Barry Goldwater and John McCain , though it has become a swing state in recent years.
