Phoenix is the capital of and the largest city in Arizona; it is also the 5th most populous city in the United States. Officially nicknamed, the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is also referred to as The Valley, The 602, Bird City and Phoenix Valley. Founded in 1868, it officially became a city in 1881. It soon became a major North American transport hub. The city has served as the home of several notable America politicians including John McCain, Sandra Day O'Connor and Janet Napolitano.

Historically, Phoenix has its Native American period where the Hohokam people occupied the land for over 1000 years. Next came the Hispanic period around the 17th and 18th century and the 19th century was when Phoenix was occupied by European and American settlers. The city currently serves as the home to seven Fortune 1000 companies including Allied Waste and the Avnet Apollo Group.

Scattered throughout the city are several museums including the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museums. The Arizona Science Center and the Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum are also located in Phoenix. Sports teams that make their home in Phoenix include the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes and the Phoenix Suns.