The population of the city of Phoenix was 1,552,000 in 2007, although the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population stood at 4,179,400. It is the most populous US state capital, and is in fact the fifth largest city in the country.
Situated in south-central Arizona, Phoenix stretches over 475.1 square miles and is surrounded on four sides by mountain ranges. The MSA includes the suburban cities of Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale and Glendale, along with a host of other smaller cities and towns of various sizes.
Diverse sectors drive the economy. As the state capital, the city has a large number of government employees. Electronics companies, Arizona State University and the military are also major employers.
Airports
Sky Harbor International Airport
3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-273-3300
http://phoenix.gov/AVIATION/
Served by more than 20 airlines, from JetBlue and Southwest to United and American, which fly to over 100 domestic destinations.
Transportation
AAA / Yellow Cab
http://www.aaayellowaz.com/
4525 E University Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-437-4000
602-252-5252
Public Transportation
http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PUBTRANS/pubtridx.html
DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) buses are copper colored, and one arrives at most stops about every six minutes. Free.
http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PUBTRANS/dash.html
Phoenix is also in the process of constructing a light rail system, due to be opened in phases beginning December 2008. http://www.valleymetro.org/METRO_light_rail/
News Resources
Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
200 E Van Buren Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-444-8000
800-331-9303
Phoenix New Times
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/
1201 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-271-0040
Fax: 602-340-8806
East Valley Tribune
120 W 1st Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-898-6500
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/
Conventions & Tourism
Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
400 E Van Buren St
Ste 600
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-6500
877-225-5749
visitors@visitphoenix.com
www.visitphoenix.com/
Glendale Office of Tourism & Visitor Center
5800 W Glenn Dr
Ste 140
Glendale, AZ 85301
623-930-4500
877-800-2601
www.visitglendale.com/