Texas - The Lone Star State
Capital: Austin | Abbreviation: TX | Region: South | Population: 30.0 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 30,029,572 |
| Area | 268,596 sq mi (695,662 km²) |
| Population Rank | 2nd |
| Area Rank | 2nd largest |
| Capital | Austin |
| Largest City | Houston (2.3M) |
| Statehood | December 29, 1845 (28th state) |
| Time Zones | Central & Mountain |
| State Nickname | The Lone Star State |
| GDP | $2.4 trillion (2nd) |
Interactive Map
🔴 Austin (Capital) | Major cities across Texas
About Texas
Texas is the second-largest state in the United States by both area and population, covering 268,596 square miles with over 30 million residents. The state capital is Austin, a rapidly growing technology and cultural hub, while Houston is the largest city and fourth-largest in the entire nation. Texas's motto "Friendship" derives from the Caddo word "Tejas," meaning friends.
Texas has the second-largest economy in the United States with a GDP of approximately $2.4 trillion. If Texas were an independent nation, it would rank as the world's 8th largest economy. The state is a global leader in energy production (oil and natural gas), technology, aerospace, agriculture, and manufacturing. Major Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas include ExxonMobil, AT&T, Dell, American Airlines, and many others.
The state's geography is remarkably diverse, encompassing Gulf Coast beaches, pine forests of East Texas, Hill Country, vast plains, deserts of West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Texas borders four US states and shares a 1,200-mile international border with Mexico, making it a crucial gateway for international trade.
Geography & Climate
Texas features extraordinary geographic diversity across its massive territory:
- Gulf Coast: 367 miles of coastline with beaches, ports, and barrier islands
- East Texas: Pine forests, lakes, humid subtropical climate
- Hill Country: Central region with limestone hills, springs, and rivers
- High Plains: Panhandle region with flat grasslands and agriculture
- Trans-Pecos: West Texas mountains and deserts, including Big Bend
- Rio Grande Valley: Subtropical southern tip, agricultural region
- Climate: Ranges from humid subtropical to arid desert
Major Cities
Texas is home to three of the ten largest cities in the United States and numerous thriving metropolitan areas.
Houston
Population: 2,304,580
Metro: 7.1 million
Known For: Energy capital, NASA, medical center, diverse economy, major port
San Antonio
Population: 1,434,625
Metro: 2.6 million
Known For: The Alamo, River Walk, military bases, tourism, Hispanic culture
Dallas
Population: 1,304,379
Metro: 7.6 million (DFW)
Known For: Financial hub, tech center, headquarters, arts district
Austin
Population: 961,855
Metro: 2.3 million
Known For: State capital, tech hub, music scene, University of Texas
Fort Worth
Population: 918,915
Known For: Western heritage, stockyards, museums, part of DFW metroplex
El Paso
Population: 678,815
Known For: Border city, bilingual culture, military presence, desert location
Economy & Industry
Texas has a highly diversified economy, the second-largest in the US. Key sectors:
Energy & Petrochemicals
Texas is the nation's leading energy producer, responsible for over 40% of US crude oil and 25% of natural gas production. Houston serves as the global energy capital with major oil companies and refineries.
Technology
Austin has emerged as a major tech hub, attracting companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung. Dallas-Fort Worth also hosts significant technology operations and data centers.
Aerospace & Defense
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, major military bases, and aerospace manufacturing make Texas a leader in aerospace and defense industries.
Agriculture & Ranching
Texas leads the nation in cattle, cotton, and hay production. The state's agricultural output exceeds $25 billion annually with vast ranches and farms.
History & Culture
Texas has a unique and storied history. Originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, Texas was colonized by Spain in the 1600s-1700s. After Mexican independence in 1821, American settlers began arriving in large numbers. The Texas Revolution in 1836 resulted in Texas becoming an independent republic, the Republic of Texas, for nearly 10 years before joining the United States in 1845.
The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 remains a defining moment in Texas history and culture. Texas briefly joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 transformed Texas into an energy powerhouse. Today, Texas culture blends Western heritage, Mexican influence, Southern traditions, and modern cosmopolitan diversity.
Interesting Facts
- Texas was an independent nation (Republic of Texas) from 1836-1845
- Only state to enter the US by treaty rather than territorial annexation
- State flag's single star gives Texas its nickname
- Houston's NASA Space Center is mission control for space flights
- Texas has 254 counties, more than any other state
- No state income tax in Texas
- Six Flags Over Texas refers to six nations that governed Texas
- King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island
- Texas produces more wind energy than any other state
- Dell, Texas Instruments, and AT&T headquartered in Texas
- Big Bend National Park protects Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem
- Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine are world-famous
- Austin claims to be "Live Music Capital of the World"
- Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is 4th largest in the US
Neighboring States & Borders
Texas shares borders with four US states and an extensive international border with Mexico.
Also borders: Mexico (Rio Grande - South) | Gulf of Mexico (Southeast)
Compare Texas with Other States
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