Phoenix

Phoenix is both the largest and capital city of Arizona with a population of more than 1.5 million people. It is the most populous state capital in the country and the only one with over a million inhabitants. The city, which is located in the upper corner of the Sonoran Desert, is one of the largest in the U.S., by land area. It is bounded by numerous cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is also referred to as the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is the seat of Maricopa County. Its residents are called Phoenicians.

Despite its subtropical desert climate, this city boasts a thriving agricultural sector, thanks to an efficient canal system. Citrus, cotton, and cattle are some of the agricultural produce Phoenix relied on before the end of the Second World War. A shift to distribution was witnessed after the war. Office and administration support, sales, transportation and food business were the top employers in the city as of 2010. A sizeable number of people also work for the state and county governments.

Phoenix plays host to four Fortune 500 companies, including Avnet and Freeport-McMoRan. One of tech company Intel’s largest sites is located here, creating jobs for around 12,000. The Aerospace division of Honeywell and U-HAUL International are among businesses with their headquarters in the city.

This city is the cultural center of both Maricopa County and Arizona. It boasts several performing arts venues, including The Phoenix Symphony Hall and the Orpheum Theatre.