Whether you’re an Arizona native or planning to visit the state for the first time as a student at Grand Canyon University, there are probably some unique pieces of information that you’ve yet to learn about the state. Keep reading for some fast and fun facts about Arizona.

Arizona was established in 1912 as the 48th state, followed only by Alaska and Hawaii.

Arizona is the nation’s sixth largest state, beat out by only Alaska, Texas, California, Montana and New Mexico. Interestingly, Arizona’s capital city of Phoenix happens to be the sixth largest city in the U.S., coming in after New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia.

The Saguaro cactus flower is Arizona’s state flower, and the cactus that it grows on takes more than 100 years to become tall enough to grow any arms.

Did you know that Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse desert in North America?

Arizona is home to 18 national monuments – that’s more than any other U.S. state!

The state’s mountainous terrain leaves it with more peaks and summits than any other state, adding up to a whopping 3,928.

You can probably guess at least a couple of the five pillars of Arizona’s original economy: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate.

As a premier Christian university located in the heart of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is dedicated to providing students with a quality education. Visit the GCU website or use the Request More Information button at the top of this page to learn about our thriving campus and growing number of degree programs.