Southern Arizona's proximity to the Mexican border has always had an impact on the region's economy. In fact, Arizona's exports to Mexico total close to $4 billion a year, and since 1988, the state's exports to Mexico, Japan and France have increased by 150 percent.
Region-wide Federal, state and local government employ more than 60,000 people. The University of Arizona remains the largest single employer with more than 10,000 employees. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base employs over 8,000 military and civilian employees.
The Manufacturing sector plays a major role in our economy. Manufacturing employment in metropolitan Tucson has more than doubled in the past 10 years. This growth rate is due to the increase of high-technology manufacturers such as Raytheon Missile Company, Sargent Controls, Bombardier Aerospace, Opto Power and Texas Instruments. Numerous other smaller businesses support the supply flow functions of these larger corporations, building a strong interrelated economy.
Tourism contributes over $2.9 billion to the Pima County economy base. Many new hotels and resort destinations have been built and enhanced to meet the needs of Southern Arizona visitors.
Due its diverse population, Southern Arizona has continued to buck many of the adverse economic conditions found in other areas of the United States.
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
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