The state's principal crops are cotton, lettuce, cauliflowers, broccoli, and sorghum. Cattle, calves, and dairy goods are, however, the most valuable Arizona farm products. Manufacturing is the leading economic activity, with electronics, printing and publishing, processed foods, and aerospace and transportation leading sectors. High-technology research and development, communications, and service industries are also important, as are construction (the state is rapidly growing) and tourism. Military facilities contributing to Arizona's economy include Fort Huachuca, Luke and Davis-Monthan air force bases, and the Yuma Proving Grounds. Testing and training with military aircraft and desert storage of commercial and military planes are both major undertakings.
Arizona abounds in minerals. Copper is the state's most valuable mineral; Arizona leads the nation in production. Other leading resources are molybdenum, sand, gravel, and cement. 
Between 1940 and 1960, Arizona's population increased more than 100%, and since then growth has continued. By the 2000 census the cumulative increase since 1940 amounted to more than 1000%, and Arizona was ranked among the fastest growing states in the nation. The mountainous north, however, has not shared the population growth of the southern sections of the state. Over 80% of the people are Caucasian and nearly 20% are Hispanic.
Tucson, the jewel of the Sonoran Desert.
We are very proud of our beautiful area and its many wonderful natural resources and are eager to share these with you. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, the area offers a culturally rich blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. One of the fastest growing urban centers in the Sunbelt, there are numerous and diverse reasons for its increasing popularity: a glorious climate with 360 days of sunshine per year, the dramatic Sonoran Desert geography featuring mountains and canyons with unique plant and wildlife, and an active lifestyle.
The Business Climate:
Arizona's economic activity has remained vigorous even during national recessions. Its central location in the Southwest provides easy access to the west coast, Mexico and other regional growth markets. Tucson's competitive edge as a profitable place to do business is based on multiple factors such as competitive wage rates, labor regulatory climate, moderate tax structure, reasonable workmen's compensation law, cost and availability of industrial sites, education and training programs, simplification of state tax forms.
Arts and Entertainment:
One of only fourteen U.S. cities with a full complement of the arts, Tucson boasts a flourishing cultural life. One can enjoy the finest art exhibitions, symphony, opera, dance or theater performances. Museums and historical societies preserve the rich cultural heritage. Southern Arizona is where tomorrow is heading. It is a place where the American dream can still come true, a place where each voice can be heard and can become a moving force to make things happen. We are excited that you have taken an interest in our great city and hope that one day you will make it your home!
Lifestyle choices:
Over 1,000,000 people now call the greater Tucson area home. And there is ample room for more. For all its growth, the region's housing and land costs are still well below those of other western states and land is abundant. Fly out of Tucson International Airport at night and all ground light vanishes in a matter of seconds. Within Tucson's 162-square-mile limits are housing options ranging from 100-year-old haciendas to sleek high rises.
Those in search of a rustic lifestyle might find Marana, Catalina or Sahuarita appealing. Each is a small, well-defined community within a 20-minute drive from downtown Tucson, offering large, affordable homes on countryside tracts. Marana, a prosperous production center for cotton farmers and ranchers, is just northwest of Tucson on relatively flat land. Catalina, a town of artists, miners and ranchers, is cooler, higher and more mountainous than the city. Sahuarita, to the south, depends on pecans, mining and livestock for its sustenance. Each community has its own shopping, schools, recreation and health care. Some who pursue a lifestyle of leisure continue south a few miles beyond Sahuarita to Green Valley. This community of retirees offers a cornucopia of social activities and clubs. Golf carts are often the transportation of choice and they're usually headed to one of the community's ten social centers. Those who want nothing to do with city life can easily avoid it -- or take it in the doses they prefer.