Arizona State Flag
The state flag consists of alternating red and yellow rays that represent the 13 original colonies and the western setting sun. The red and yellow are based on the colors of the Spanish flag that Coronado carried into the region. The bottom half of the flag is the same color blue found in the U. S. flag. The copper star identifies Arizona as the largest copper producing state in the union.
Arizona State Seal
Arizona's main enterprises and attractions are represented in the seal. In the background of the seal is a range of mountains with the sun rising behind the peaks. At the right side of the mountains is a water storage reservoir and a dam, with irrigated fields and orchards. There are cattle grazing on the right, a quartz mill and a miner with a pick and shovel on the left. Above the drawing is the Arizona state motto, Ditat Deus, (Latin for "God Enriches").
Arizona March Song
Arizona has two state songs, the "Arizona March Song" was written in 1915 by Margaret Rowe Clifford with music by Maurice Blumenthal. Rex Allen, Jr. wrote a song titled "Arizona." It was adopted in 1982 as an alternate state song.
State Flower
Blossom of the Saguaro Cactus. The pure white waxy blossom of the giant saguaro cactus was designated the state flower of Arizona in 1931. It blooms on the tips of the saguaro cactus during the May and June months.
State Gemstone
Turquoise was designated the official gemstone of Arizona in 1974. It's a blue-green, waxy-surfaced stone used for centuries in Southwest Indian Jewelry. It can be found throughout the Southwest and is composed of hydrous oxide of aluminum and copper.
State Neckwear
The bola tie was designated the official neckware of Arizona in 1973. A bola (sometimes referred to as a bolo tie) is a type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips secured with an ornamental clasp or slide. It's usually made by silversmiths and leather makers in almost every size and shape, most often with silver and turquoise.
State Tree
The Palo Verde was designated the official state tree of Arizona in 1954. "Palo Verde" is Spanish for "green stick." They bloom in the spring (late march to early May) with brilliant yellow-gold flowers.
State Bird
The cactus wren measures 7 to 8 inches in length, and its back is brown with white spots, and its throat is lighter colored with black spots. Its bill is curved down and there's a white line over each eye. Cactus wrens eat insects, seeds, and fruit. They often build their nests inside a cactus to protect them from predators.
State Fossil
Petrified wood was designated the state fossil of Arizona in 1988. It was formed from trees alive in Triassic time, over 200 million years ago. These trees grew in high mountain ranges in central Arizona.
State Mammal
The ringtail was designated the state mammal of Arizona in 1986. Ringtails are cat-sized carnivores resembling a small fox with a long raccoon-like tail. The tail is about the length of the head and body with 14-16 black and white bands and a black tip.
State Reptile
The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake was recognized as the official state reptile of Arizona in 1986. First known to science in 1905, this small brown snake is one of the most primitive rattlesnakes found in this country.
State Fish
The Apache trout was designated the state fish of Arizona in 1986. It is found nowhere else in the world besides the coldwater streams in the White Mountains of Arizona.
State Amphibian
The Arizona Tree Frog was designated the state amphibian of Arizona in 1986. Elected by the school children of Arizona during the "Arizona Wildlife Awareness" program in 1985.
State Butterfly
The newest of state symbols, the two-tailed swallowtail became the state butterfly in 2001. This butterfly has yellow and black wings with a wing span between three and a half up to five inches in length.
State Colors
Arizona's official state colors are blue and gold. The blue, used in the Arizona state flag, is the same shade that is found in the United States flag.
Quick Facts
Population: 6.627 million (2013 Census)
State Capitol: Phoenix
State Motto: Ditat Deus (God Enriches)
Largest City: Phoenix at 1.513 million (2013 Census)
State Nickname: Grand Canyon State
State Size: 113,909 square miles
Secretary of State's State Symbols Brochure
Map of Arizona Counties
Arizona Voting District Map
Current Phoenix Weather
