Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populous city in the United States. It is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area (also known as the Valley of the Sun), and is the 12th largest metro area by population in the United States with about 4.2 million people in 2010. In addition, Phoenix is the county seat of Maricopa County, and is one of the largest cities in the United States by land area. Phoenix is the largest capital city in the United States and the only state capital with over 1,000,000 people.

Phoenix has maintained a growth streak in recent years, growing by 24.2% before 2007. Recently Downtown Phoenix and the central core have experienced renewed interest and growth, resulting in numerous restaurant, stores and businesses opening or relocating to central Phoenix.

Phoenix and the surrounding area have several cultural activities, including the performing arts, museums, and events.  Phoenix is home to a large number of parks and recreation areas. The Desert Botanical Garden displays desert plant life from deserts all over the world. Encanto Park is the city’s largest and primary urban park, and lies just northwest of downtown Phoenix. Papago Park in east Phoenix is home to both the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, in addition to several golf courses and the Hole-in-the-Rock geological formation.

Public education in the Phoenix area is provided by over 30 school districts. Arizona State University is the main institution of higher education in the region.

source: wikipedia.org