Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It covers an area of approximately 113,998 square miles and ranks as the sixth-largest state in the country. Utah borders the state to the north, New Mexico to the east, Nevada to the northwest, California to the west, and Mexico to the south. The Colorado River forms much of Arizona's western boundary with California and Nevada. Arizona is divisible into three geographical regions: the deserts of the south and west, the mountainous central region, and the high plateau in the north.
The Colorado Plateau, a diverse landscape of flatlands, gorges, mountains, and valleys, dominates Arizona's northern half. Notable areas on the plateau include the Black Mesa, Painted Desert, and Monument Valley in the northeastern part of the state. The Rocky Mountains also traverse the plateau, with scattered tree-covered ranges such as the Black, San Francisco, and White Mountains. Of the mountains in Arizona, the highest peak in Arizona is Humphreys Peak, which reaches an elevation of 12,637 feet and is in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Other notable mountain ranges include the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson and the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix.
In addition to its mountains, Arizona also contains large areas of desert terrain. The Sonoran Desert is one of North America's hottest and driest deserts and occupies much of southern Arizona. The Mojave Desert lies in western Arizona along its border with California.
The Grand Canyon is perhaps Arizona's most famous natural landmark. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this massive canyon stretches for more than 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile in some places. The other significant rivers of Arizona include Little Colorado, Gila, Verde, and Salt rivers.
Arizona's climate varies depending on location and altitude. However, it is generally characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures during summer months can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures typically range between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The State of Arizona is divided into 15 counties. In alphabetical order, these counties are: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma.
With an area of 295,233 sq. km, Arizona is the 6th largest and the 14th most populous state in the USA. Located in the south-central part of the state, along the Salt River is Phoenix – the capital, the largest and the most populous city in Arizona. It serves as the financial, cultural, transportation and communication hub of the state. The capital city’s booming economy has been built around a strong real estate market, manufacturing and trade, health care and insurance services.
The State of Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the United States. This landlocked state is bordered by California in the west; by Nevada in the northwest; by Utah in the north; by New Mexico in the east; by the Mexican state of Sonora in the south; and by Baja California in the southwest. Arizona shares the Four Corners region, in its extreme northeastern corner, with the states of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.
Regional Maps: Map of North America
The above blank map represents the State of Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States. The above map can be downloaded, printed and used for geography education purposes like map-pointing and coloring activities.
The above outline map represents the State of Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States.
Legal Name | State of Arizona |
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ISO 3166 Code | US-AZ |
Capital City | Phoenix |
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This page was last updated on February 28, 2023