Texas

Texas State Information

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Capital: Austin

Official Name: State of Texas

Organized as a Republic: March 21836

Entered Union (rank): December 291845 (28th state)

Present constitution adopted: 1876

State abbreviation/Postal code: Tex./TX

State Area Codes: 210214254281325361409430432469512682713737806817830832903915936940956972979

Fun Facts About Texas

Nickname: The Lone Star State

Origin of name: The name Texas comes from the Caddo word 'taysha' meaning "friend". The Spanish used the term to refer to the Caddo and their territory.

Motto: “Friendship”

Slogan: "Texas. It's Like a Whole Other Country"

State symbols

Flower: Bluebonnet (1901)

Tree: Pecan (1919)

Animal: Large Mammal: Texas Longhorn (1995); Small Mammal: nine-banded armadillo (1927)

Bird: Northern Mockingbird (1927)

Fish: Guadalupe Bass (1989)

Vegetables: Sweet Onion (1997)

Gem: Texas Blue Topaz (1969)

Colors: None officially designated

Song: "TexasOur Texas" (1929)

Poem: "A Texas Prayer" (2019)

Grass: Sideoats Grama (1971)

Fossil: Paluxysaurus Jonesi (2009)

Dinosaur: Paluxysaurus Jonesi (2009)

Cookie: None officially designated

Insect: Monarch Butterfly (1995)

Ballad: "TexasOur Texas" (1929)

Bilingual song: None officially designated

Question: None officially designatedFossil

Government

Governor: Greg AbbottR (to Jan. 2027)

Lieut. Governor: Dan PatrickR (to Jan. 2027)

Secy. of State: Carlos Cascos (apptd. by gov.)

Comptroller: Glenn HegarR

Atty. General: Ken PaxtonR

U.S. Representatives: 36

Senators: John CornynR (to Jan. 2027); Ted CruzR (to Jan. 2025)

Historical biographies of Congressional members

State website: https://texas.gov/

Population

Residents: Texan

Resident population: 30,065,904 (2nd Largest State2023)

10 largest cities in Texas (2023): Houston2,302,878; San Antonio1,472,909; Dallas1,299,544; Austin974,447; Fort Worth956,709; El Paso677,456; Arlington394,602; Corpus Christi316,239; Plano289,547; Lubbock263,930.

Race/Ethnicity: White (48.12%); Black/African American (12.33%); Native American/Alaskan Native (1.03%); Hispanic/Latino (40.2%); Two or more races (17.6%); Other race (13.6%).

Religion: Catholic (23%); Evangelical Protestant (14%); Southern Baptist Convention (9%); Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) (Unspecified %); Irreligious (20%); Judaism (1%); Islam (1%); Buddhism (1%); Hinduism (<1%); Other religions (<1%).

Sex: Male: 49.6% ; Female: 50.4%.

Age: Under 18: 26.2%; 18-64: 62.5%; 65 and over: 11.3%. Median Age: 35.9.

Economy

GDP: $1.776 trillion (2nd in U.S.2020)

Unemployment: 4.1% (2023)

Geography

Land area: 261,232 sq mi. (676,587 sq km)

Geographic center: In McCulloch Co.15 mi. NE of Brady

Number of counties: 254

Largest county by population and area: Harris4,713,325 (2020); Brewster6,193 sq mi.

State forests: 5

State parks/recreation areas: 115

See additional census data

Tourism office

See more on Texas:

Encyclopedia: Texas
Encyclopedia: Geography
Encyclopedia: Economy
Encyclopedia: Government
Encyclopedia: History
Texas Temperature Extremes

Printable Outline Maps

Map of Texas

Explore the geography and cartography of the Lone Star State with Infoplease's atlas pages.

Texasthe Lone Star Stateis a melting pot of cultureslandscapesand traditionswhich is home to a plethora of vibrant cities like AustinSan AntonioHoustonand Dallas. Known for its unique identityTexas is the embodiment of both Southern charm and the untamed spirit of the West.

Texas Geography

The geography of Texas is as diverse as its people. This sprawling statewhich boasts of the Rio Grande and Brazos riversis the second largest in the United States. Its landscapes are a mix of desertswoodlandsand coastal swamps. This southern state is bordered to the east by Louisiana and is home to the Big Bend National Parkknown for its stunning bluebonnets.

West Texas is a loosely defined part of the U.S. state of Texasgenerally encompassing the arid and semi-arid lands west of a line drawn between the cities of Wichita FallsAbileneand Del Rio. It is a region known for its vast and diverse landscapeswhich include the ruggedness of the Guadalupe Mountainsthe lush greenery of the Davis Mountainsthe stark beauty of the Chihuahuan Desertand the iconic Rio Grande River.

Texas People & Population

Texans are a unique blend of cultureswith an impressive heritage tracing back to Native AmericanSpanishand Anglo roots. The state's population is diverse and dynamicwith an enormous influx of migrants adding to its vibrancy. The most populous cities in the region are HoustonEl PasoSan Antonioand Austin.

Texas Government

Unique from the federal governmentthe political body of Texas is a robust entityembodied by the Texas Legislaturewhich includes the Texas House and Texas Senateand convenes on different matters. The state government is led by Gov. Greg Abbotta stalwart of the GOP. The Lieutenant Governorthe Comptroller of Public Accountsand the Secretary of State are other important officials in the Texas government.

In recent yearsTexas has become a major player in national politics. The political landscape is continuously shiftingwith increased influence from Democratsespecially in urban areas.

Texas Economy

The economy of Texas is powered by a variety of sectorsfrom health care to law enforcement. The state has fared reasonably well amidst the pandemic due to its robust economic machinery. Its thriving economy is also maintained by property tax revenueswhich are a significant source of funding for state services.

Texas Interesting Facts

Texas has a colorful cultural tapestrywhich includes a prominent music scene and a thriving film and television industry. The state's sports culture is also quite intensewith football reigning supreme. Another unique aspect of Texas is its official websitetexas.govwhich often publishes trending tweets that signify the pulse of the state.

Sports in Texas

From high school football to professional baseballTexas has a rich history of sports. The state is home to several professional sports teamssuch as the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. It also hosts major events like the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the South by Southwest music festival. In additionuniversities in Texas are also known for their intense rivalries in college football and basketball.

Arts and Entertainment in Texas

Texas is home to several renowned art museumssuch as the Dallas Museum of Art and the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth. The state also boasts numerous performing arts venuesincluding the Houston Grand Opera and the Dallas Theater Center. For film loversAustin has become a hub for independent filmmakingwith organizations like South by Southwest showcasing new films each year.

The music culture in Texas is incredibly diverse. Popular genres that have originated in the state include country musicbluesand Tejano. Additionallymany famous musicianssuch as Willie NelsonSelenaand Stevie Ray Vaughan have made their mark on the music industry. Texas is also home to some of the best live music venues in the worldsuch as Austin City Limits and Billy Bob's Texas.

Texan Cuisine

The cuisine of Texas is a reflection of the diverse history of the state. Tex-Mex dishessuch as burritos and tacosare some of the most popular foods in Texas. Barbecue is also extremely popular in the Lone Star Statewith many cities hosting annual barbecue festivals. AdditionallyTexan cooking incorporates influences from Cajun and Creole traditions. Pinto beanscornbreadchili con carne and other works of Texas comfort food can be found all over the state.

Texas History

Texas has a rich and dynamic history. The 28th state in the UnionTexas was the Republic of Texas before joining the United States. Its history is marked by the struggle for independencethe Civil Warand the continuous fight for civil rights.

Pre-Colonial History

Before the arrival of European settlersTexas was inhabited by various Native American tribesincluding the ApacheComancheand Caddo. These tribes had their own unique cultures and societies and made significant accomplishments in areas such as agriculturetradeand art. In factarchaeological evidence suggests that these tribes have lived in the area for over 11,000 years.

Colonial History

Texas was first colonized by the Spanish in the 16th centurywith the establishment of missions and presidios. They named the region “Texas” after a Native American word meaning “friends or allies.” In the 18th centurythe region became a part of New Spain and later Mexico. The borders of the colony shifted over timeincluding the splitting of Texas from Coahuila y Tejas. Texas played a significant role in the American War of Independencewith individuals such as Bernardo de Gálvez providing support to the American colonists. Texas also experienced the institution of slavery during this period.

Pre-Civil War History

Throughout the 18th centurySpain and later Mexico colonized the territory. Mexico declared Texas a state in 1821but the area soon became a battleground for Mexican independence

During the Antebellum yearsTexas experienced rapid developmentparticularly in agriculture and the cattle industry. The state also witnessed political violenceincluding conflicts with Native American tribes and disputes over land. Major innovations and inventionssuch as the development of cotton gincontributed to the state's economic growth.

Post-Civil War History

Following the Civil WarTexas underwent a period of reconstruction and recovery. The cattle industry continued to thriveand the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth and development to the state.

Modern History

From World War II to the present dayTexas has played a prominent role in various events and developments. The state has been a major center for the aerospace and technology industrieswith the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Texas has also been at the forefront of the civil rights movementwith significant contributions from leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez. The state has experienced rapid population growthurbanizationand diversification of its economy.

In recent yearsTexas has become a major player in national politics. With shifting demographics and changing political landscapesTexas voters are now more influential than ever in deciding the country's political fate.