Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, can be seen in this southeast-looking, low-oblique photograph. Located on the banks of the Salt River (southern portion of the photograph), Phoenix is the hub of the rich Salt River Valley cotton and truck farming region. In 1940, Phoenix had a population of nearly 65 000; in 1990, the population had grown to 850 000, with a metropolitan population of more than 2.1 million. Covering 386 square miles (1000 square kilometers) of the former Salt River Oasis and its irrigated farmlands, Phoenix is larger in area than either Chicago or New York City. Phoenix is an important data processing and electronics research center; also manufactured are aircraft and aircraft parts, fabricated metals, machinery, food products, textiles, chemicals, aluminum products, air conditioners, and apparel. The sunny, dry climate has made Phoenix a winter retreat, a noted health resort, and a retirement center.