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 Texas, officially **The Lone Star State**, is a massive state in the **South Central** region of the United States, known for its size, diversity, independent spirit, and economic power. It became the **28th state** on December 29, 1845, after a period as an independent republic (1836–1845). With an estimated population of around **31.7–32.4 million** as of 2025–2026 estimates (second only to California), Texas continues to lead the nation in population growth, adding hundreds of thousands of residents annually. It ranks **2nd** in both population and area (about 268,581 square miles / 696,241 km²).

### Geography and Climate

Texas is enormous—large enough to fit several Eastern states inside it—with varied landscapes: the **Gulf Coast** beaches and wetlands in the southeast, rolling **Hill Country** in central Texas, vast **plains** and prairies in the north and west, **Big Bend** desert mountains in the southwest, and piney woods in the east. It borders New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas and Louisiana to the east, and Mexico to the south (with the Rio Grande forming much of the border). Major rivers include the Rio Grande, Colorado, and Brazos. The climate ranges from humid subtropical along the coast (hot, humid summers; mild winters) to semi-arid and desert conditions in the west, with occasional severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods. This diversity supports everything from beach vacations to desert hikes and ranching.

Major cities (approximate 2025–2026 populations):

- **Houston** — largest (~2.3–2.4 million), a global energy and port hub.

- **San Antonio** (~1.5 million).

- **Dallas** (~1.3 million).

- **Austin** (state capital, ~1.00–1.05 million; recently reclaimed 4th spot).

- **Fort Worth** (~1.02 million).

- Others: El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi.

Much of the growth concentrates in the **Texas Triangle** (Houston–Dallas-Fort Worth–San Antonio–Austin metro areas), home to about two-thirds of Texans.

### History

The name "Texas" comes from the Caddo word *tayshas* or *tejas*, meaning "friends" or "allies." Indigenous peoples (including Caddo, Comanche, and Apache) lived here for millennia. Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s–1700s, followed by Mexican control after 1821. American settlers (many via Stephen F. Austin) led to the Texas Revolution (1835–1836), highlighted by the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, resulting in the independent Republic of Texas. Annexation by the U.S. in 1845, the Civil War (as part of the Confederacy), cattle drives, oil booms (Spindletop in 1901), and 20th-century growth shaped its identity. The state motto is **"Friendship."**

### Culture and Famous For

Texas embodies a bold, diverse, and proud culture blending Southern, Western, Mexican, and modern influences:

- **Nicknames**: **Lone Star State** (official, from its independence flag), plus others like the Beef State or Bluebonnet State.

- **Food** — World-class **Texas barbecue** (brisket, ribs), Tex-Mex (fajitas, enchiladas), chili, kolaches, and breakfast tacos. Regional specialties vary widely.

- **Music & Arts** — Live music capital (Austin: "Live Music Capital of the World"), country, Tejano, blues, and hip-hop scenes; strong arts in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

- **Outdoors & Icons** — Cowboys and ranching heritage, rodeos, the Alamo, Big Bend National Park, Gulf beaches, Hill Country wineries and wildflowers (bluebonnets), NASA (Johnson Space Center in Houston), and sports (NFL's Cowboys and Texans, NBA's Mavericks and Spurs, MLB's Rangers and Astros, plus college football rivalries).

- **Spirit** — "Don't mess with Texas" attitude, friendliness, and self-reliance. The state is famously large and varied—urban sophistication in big cities meets rural ranch life.

It's known for everything from oil wildcatters to tech innovators and a "bigger is better" ethos.

### Economy

Texas has one of the largest and most diversified state economies in the U.S. (often ranking among the top globally if considered separately):

- **Key sectors** — Energy (oil, gas, and leading in renewables like wind/solar), advanced manufacturing (semiconductors, aerospace, automotive), technology (Austin's "Silicon Hills," data centers), healthcare/life sciences, agriculture/livestock, trade/ports, and tourism.

- It benefits from no state income tax, business-friendly policies, and strong job growth in construction, professional services, and tech/AI-related infrastructure.

- Challenges include energy sector fluctuations, infrastructure strain from rapid growth, and housing demands, but overall outlook for 2026 remains positive with momentum in data centers, manufacturing, and population-driven sectors.

### Government and Current Notes (as of March 2026)

- **Governor**: Greg Abbott (Republican), seeking a fourth term in the November 2026 election (primary was March 3, 2026).

- Texas has a Republican trifecta (GOP control of governorship and legislature). The regular 89th Legislative Session occurred in 2025; 2026 has no regular session scheduled (biennial legislature), though special sessions are possible.

- Recent focuses include new laws effective in late 2025/early 2026 on topics like immigration enforcement, AI, public safety, education (e.g., school choice elements), and other priorities. Population growth and economic diversification remain key long-term themes.

For visitors, **TravelTexas.com** is the official site for planning trips across seven regions—offering guides to beaches, cities, state parks, food trails, music festivals, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into urban energy in Houston or Dallas, weird Austin vibes, historic San Antonio, or wide-open spaces in West Texas, the state has something for everyone.