Arizona's True Wealth.

Arizona's wealth lies in its mineral deposits.  Rich copper veins make the state the main copper-producing area in the United States and one of the greatest in the world.  Arizona is also among the leading states in production of gold, lead, silver and uranium.

In the northern areas of the state is the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the United States. 

The state's commercial trees include yellow pine, fir and spruce, although most timbered areas are set aside as forest reserves.

Tourism is also a major industry because of the states winter climate, awesome scenery, open spaces and Native American cultural influence.

At one time the states economy was said to be based on the "4 C's" - Copper, climate, cattle and citrus and then coal was added to the list. 

However, manufacturing and the service industry have become increasingly important. 

Today Arizona's plants produce copper, processed foods, aircraft, electrical machinery, computer equipment, electronic equipment and there are many businesses in the service field.

Despite Arizona's dry climate, the river valleys and deserts where irrigation is used are suitable for farming.  Arizona is thought to be very dry, but irrigation has changed a lot of the Southern desert area into rich farmland with citrus, cotton and melon farms. 

There are Indian pueblos on the mesas and cattle towns on the plains.  Grasses grow throughout the state, and the northern plains have excellent grazing for cattle and sheep. 

Arizona shares the waters of the Colorado River with  California and since rain is sparse, dams and reservoirs have been built to store water.  It is brought to the valleys through irrigation canals and ditches.

Arizona is rich in the production of cotton and ranks high in the Nation for oranges and grapefruits.  Truck crops, cattle, hay, milk and wheat are also important crops to the states economy.  There are also several successful wine producers.