Located in the Salt River Valley, which is sometimes known as the "Valley of the Sun", in central part of the state, Phoenix is the state capital and largest city of Arizona. As of the 2005, the estimated population of the city itself was 1,461,575, with an estimated 3,715,360 living within the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

The city has at an average elevation of 1,117 feet (340 meters), and is located in the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert. The Salt River runs westward through Phoenix, but because of the desert climate and dams up river, the Salt River is normally dry - water only being present when water is released from dams that lie up river.

Attractions in the Phoenix area include:

- Arizona Biltmore

- Arizona Science Center

- Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum

- Biltmore Fashion Park

- Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

- Burton Barr Central Library

- Camelback Mountain

- Castles N' Coasters Amusement Park

- Chase Field

- Chase Tower

- Desert Botanical Garden

- Encanto Park

- Enchanted Island

- Hall of Flame

- Heard Museum

- Hotel San Carlos

- Kierland Commons

- Mystery Castle

- Papago Park

- Phoenix Art Museum

- Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area

- Phoenix Museum of History

- Phoenix Zoo

- Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park

- St. Mary's Basilica

- South Mountain Park

- Symphony Hall

- Tovrea Castle

- US Airways Center

- Wrigley Mansion

Here is some more information about the area:

- Probably the best known educational institution in Phoenix is the University of Phoenix. The University of Phoenix is a for-profit educational institution that specializes in adult education.

- The main airport for Phoenix is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

- Professional sports teams in Phoenix include the baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the basketball team, the Phoenix Suns.