Arizona’s birthday is celebrated on February 14th, which coincidentally falls on Valentine’s Day. This date marks Arizona’s statehood in 1912, when it officially became the 48th state to join the United States. At that time, Arizona’s population was just over 200,000 people, but the state has since experienced tremendous growth. By 2020, Arizona’s population had soared to approximately 7.3 million, and estimates suggest that by 2025 it will reach 7.9 million, with projections indicating the population could exceed 8.5 million by 2030. Arizona was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, completing the United States as we know it today.

Known as the “Grand Canyon State,” Arizona is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Arizona also boasts unique geographical features such as the Sonoran Desert, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest. Surprisingly, while much of the state is known for its arid desert climate, Arizona also has large forested areas, and it’s home to the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world, located in the northern part of the state.

In addition to its natural beauty, Arizona’s history is filled with interesting and quirky facts. For example, its state flag was originally designed for a rifle team competition in Ohio in 1910, years before Arizona achieved statehood. The copper-colored star in the center of the flag represents the state’s rich history in copper mining, while the red and yellow rays symbolize the sun setting over the western desert, and nod to the Spanish influence in the region.

Another fun fact is that Arizona’s first state seal design was hotly debated. Delegates at the state constitutional convention wanted to move away from symbols like cacti, Gila monsters, and rattlesnakes and instead focus on the state’s burgeoning industries, such as mining and agriculture. This led to the creation of the current seal featuring a miner, cow, farm, and dam, all symbolic of Arizona’s economic foundations.

Arizona is also home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the largest in the United States, and the Hopi and Tohono O’odham communities, which have deep historical and cultural significance in the region.

One of Arizona’s more peculiar traits is that it does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except for the Navajo Nation, making it one of only two states (along with Hawaii) that opts out of the time change. Additionally, Arizona is home to Meteor Crater, one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth, located about 25 miles west of Winslow.

From its colorful history to its breathtaking landscapes, Arizona’s unique blend of culture, nature, and historical significance makes it one of the most distinctive states in the country.