Capital: Austin
Population: 29,206,997 (Source: 2012 U.S. Census)
Texas is one of the most populous states in the United States. Its population has grown significantly over the years due to its strong economy, job opportunities, and attractive lifestyle. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin continue to draw people from across the country and around the world.
Major Cities: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso
These cities are the cultural and economic hubs of Texas. Houston is known for its energy industry and space center, Dallas for business and technology, San Antonio for its historic missions, and Austin for music, technology, and government. Fort Worth and El Paso are important centers of culture, industry, and international trade.
Borders: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, Gulf of Mexico
Texas shares borders with four U.S. states and Mexico, as well as a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Its location has made it a key player in trade, energy, and cross-cultural interactions for centuries.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $1,397,369 million (2012 U.S. Department of Commerce)
Texas has one of the largest economies of any U.S. state. Its GDP reflects the diversity of industries in the state, including agriculture, energy, technology, manufacturing, and tourism.
Key Industries:
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Agriculture, including cattle, sheep, goats, cotton, grains, and fishing
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Oil, natural gas, petroleum products, cement, energy, chemicals, and tourism
Texas has long been a leader in agriculture and energy. Ranching and farming remain important, while oil and natural gas have fueled the state’s economic growth for more than a century. Tourism, technology, and service industries also contribute heavily to the economy.
How Texas Got Its Name:
The name Texas comes from the Caddo Native American word “tejas”, which means “friends” or “allies.” This reflects the spirit of friendship and cooperation that has long been a part of the state’s culture.
Texas State Symbols
State Nickname: Lone Star State
The nickname reflects Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico and its period as an independent republic. The single star on the Texas flag represents this history of independence and pride.
State Slogan: It’s Like a Whole Other Country (used only in domestic advertising)
Texas is often described as a state so large and diverse that it feels like a country of its own. From deserts to mountains, forests to coastline, its geography and culture are incredibly varied.
State Motto: Friendship
Texas’ motto reflects the Caddo meaning of the word “tejas” and highlights the state’s welcoming nature and strong community values.
State Flower: Bluebonnet
The bluebonnet is native to Texas and blooms every spring, painting fields and roadsides with vibrant blue.
State Bird: Mockingbird
The mockingbird is admired for its ability to mimic sounds and songs, symbolizing the state’s creativity and adaptability.
State Fish: Guadalupe bass
Found in Texas rivers and streams, the Guadalupe bass is a key species in the state’s aquatic ecosystems.
State Tree: Pecan
The pecan tree is native to Texas and widely used in local cuisine, especially in pecan pies.
State Mammals: Armadillo, Texas Longhorn, Mexican free-tailed bat
These animals are iconic symbols of Texas’ wildlife and ranching heritage. The armadillo is unique to the region, the Longhorn reflects Texas’ cattle industry, and the Mexican free-tailed bat is known for its massive colonies, especially in Bracken Cave.
State Foods: Chili, Pecan, Jalapeno, Strudel, Tortilla chips, and Salsa
Texas cuisine blends Mexican, Southern, and Western influences. Chili, barbecue, Tex-Mex, and pecan desserts are staples that reflect the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
Becoming a State
Date Admitted: Monday, December 29, 1845
Number Admitted: 28
Prior Name: Republic of Texas
Postal Abbreviation: TX
Texas was an independent nation for nearly a decade before joining the United States. Its transition from the Republic of Texas to the 28th U.S. state marked a pivotal moment in American history.
The Geography of Texas
Total Size: 261,797 sq. miles (source: 2003 Census)
Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, with landscapes ranging from the flat plains of the Panhandle to the desert mountains of West Texas. Its size contributes to its diverse climate, ecosystems, and economy.
Geographical Low Point: Gulf of Mexico at Sea Level (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Geographical High Point: Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet, located in Culberson County (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Central Point: McCulloch County, approx. 15 miles northeast of Brady (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Counties: 254 (source: National Association of Counties)
Texas has more counties than any other state, reflecting its vast size and historical settlement patterns.
Bodies of Water: Gulf of Mexico, Rio Grande River, Pecos River, Red River, Colorado River, Brazos River, Toledo Bend Reservoir
Texas’ rivers and reservoirs are essential for agriculture, energy, recreation, and drinking water. The Rio Grande also forms a natural border with Mexico.
Famous People from Texas
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Drew Brees – Professional football quarterback
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Kelly Clarkson – Singer and American Idol winner
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Dwight D. Eisenhower – 34th President of the United States and WWII general
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Selena Gomez – Actress and singer
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Howard Hughes – Businessman, inventor, and aviator
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Lyndon B. Johnson – 36th President of the United States
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Beyoncé Knowles – Singer and actress
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Tom Landry – Legendary football coach
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Steve Martin – Comedian and actor
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Sandra Day O’Connor – First woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice
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Adrian Peterson – Professional football player
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Dan Rather – News Anchor
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Kenny Rogers – Country music singer
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Nolan Ryan – Professional baseball pitcher
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Babe Didrikson Zaharias – Track and field athlete
These individuals highlight Texas’ contributions to politics, sports, entertainment, and culture, showing the state’s broad influence on the nation and the world.
Fun Facts About Texas
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The name Texas comes from the word “tejas”, meaning “friends” or “allies.”
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Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World.
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The King Ranch is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
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Bracken Cave is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the world, with over 20 million bats.
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The Lone Star State nickname comes from the single star on the Texas flag, symbolizing independence.
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El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas, highlighting Texas’ enormous size.
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Texas has been a part of six nations: Spain, Mexico, France, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States.
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Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas.
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The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a population larger than 39 U.S. states.
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Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson were born in Texas.
Texas is a state of history, culture, and diversity. Its size, economy, and people make it unique in the United States. From its rugged landscapes to bustling cities, Texas continues to be a place of opportunity, pride, and innovation. Whether it’s food, music, sports, or natural beauty, the Lone Star State leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits or calls it home.