Texas is the second-largest US state by both area and population, an independent republic from 1836-1845, with cultural roots blending American, Mexican and German heritage, and a major oil-and-gas economy.
Geography & climate
Texas lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 31.5°N, 99.3°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 695,662 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Texas all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Texas is Austin, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Houston, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 30M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Texas was admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 28th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Texas is nicknamed “The Lone Star State”, with the state motto Friendship. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Texas is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Texas.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Texas offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Texas can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | TX | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Austin | — |
| Largest city | Houston | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 30M | people |
| Area | 695,662 | km² |
| Statehood | 1845 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 28 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Lone Star State | — |
| Motto | Friendship | — |
| Latitude | 31.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -99.3 | degrees |
Did you know?
Texas was an independent country (the Republic of Texas) for almost 10 years before joining the Union in 1845.
