Phoenix is located in middle of Arizona, in the heart of the Sonoran desert, one of the largest deserts in the eastern hemisphere. Arizona's capital city is its most populous, and the sixth most populous city in the U.S. Home to more than 1.45 million inhabitants, it covers 1,338 sq. km/517 sq. miles in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges.

Despite its desert location, the Phoenix area has 185 golf courses with some of the most beautiful greens in the country. Several Major League Baseball teams play in the Phoenix area during spring training in the "Cactus League."

Aside from recreation and tourism, other local industries are aerospace, technology and financial services. Travelers should note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so Phoenix is an hour behind other cities in the Mountain Time zone. During this period, Arizona is essentially on Pacific Time.