Today Tucson is a city and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. In 2015 the estimated population of the entire Tucson metropolitan statistical area was 980,263.

It lies at the junction of I-10 and I-19. Tucson is surrounded by mountain ranges that offer scenic drives, hiking, climbing, and even skiing in winter when it snows on the higher mountain peaks. The spectacular Sonoran Desert with its dramatic beauty covers the Tucson region with a variety of spectacular cacti that includes the Giant Saguaro cactus, the symbol of the American Southwest, as well as remarkable desert wildlife. These tall and ancient cactus stand like silent sentinels in the shadows of the five mountain ranges which cradle the Tucson valley and are showered with sunshine over 300 days a year.

There is a rich cultural heritage and storied history that reflects a landscape found nowhere else on Earth. Tucson has more bird species than any other region on earth, not including the Amazon Rainforest. The Tucson Rodeo Parade is the largest non-motorized parade in the world.

The City of Tucson has over 200 elementary schools and over 150 high schools. Tuscon is also the seat of the University of Arizona. The world’s largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery is in the Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona Campus.

For those who like to shop, the Tucson Mall is an outstanding retail center which has something special for everyone. Popular casual dining options join the array of more than 170 stores featuring fashion, sportswear, and kid-friendly favorites. Tuscon has dozens of top national galleries and museums where people can view and enjoy art and cultural heritage of the native peoples.

But perhaps the best part of Tucson is its scenery with great desert skies and sunsets that continuously impress even the most seasoned residents.