Tucson

Tucson is a city in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona, United States. It is the county seat of Pima County and the second-largest city in the state. The city lies at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, about 60 miles (97 km) north of the Mexican border. Long inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the O'odham and the Hohokam, the area saw Spanish exploration in the 18th century. The Presidio of Tucson was established in 1775 as a military outpost, and the settlement grew around it.

In 1885, the University of Arizona was founded in Tucson, helping to shape its development as an educational and research hub. Today it remains a major center for higher education, health care, defense-related industries, and tourism. The city hosts museums, cultural institutions, and research facilities that contribute to its regional role.

Tucson has a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers, mild winters, and relatively scarce rainfall. Most precipitation falls during the summer monsoon and winter fronts.

Nearby attractions include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, and Saguaro National Park, which preserves the iconic saguaro cactus landscape. The city is home to astronomy facilities such as the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the University of Arizona’s astronomy programs, contributing to its scientific profile. Cultural life centers on museums, performing arts, and annual events such as the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the Tucson Festival of Books, and the All Souls Procession.

Transportation and economy: Tucson is served by Tucson International Airport and major highways, including Interstates 10 and 19. The metropolitan area supports education, health care, biotechnology, defense-related industries, and outdoor recreation-driven tourism.