State Flag: ( click here - for enlarged view)

The 13 rays of red and gold on the top half of the flag represent both the 13 original colonies of the Union, and the rays of the Western setting sun. Red and gold were also the colors carried by Coronado's Spanish expedition in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1540. The bottom half of the flag has the same Liberty blue as the United States flag. Since Arizona was the largest producer of copper in the nation, a copper star was placed in the flag's center.

State Seal:

Arizona's great seal is ringed by the words "Great Seal of the State of Arizona" on the top, and "1912", the year of Arizona's statehood, on the bottom. The motto Ditat Deus, "God Enriches", lies in the center of the seal. Under the motto is a scene that portrays Arizona's landscape, climate, and industry. A miner stands in the hills with his pick axe and shovel. In the distance, a brilliant sun rises over the hills. And below, a fertile irrigated field springs to life.

State Nickname:

Arizona's most famous nickname "The Grand Canyon State" celebrates its most famous natural feature, the Grand Canyon. Arizona's other nickname "Copper State" celebrates its fabulous mineral wealth.