Texas

Texas is the second-largest US state by both area and population, a vast and proud state in the south-central United States with a powerful economy and distinctive identity. Its capital is Austin, while Houston is the largest city, followed by San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth. Nicknamed the Lone Star State, it was once an independent republic.

Texas is enormous and varied, from the Gulf of Mexico coast and humid pine forests of the east to the rolling Hill Country, the high plains of the Panhandle, and the deserts and mountains of the far west around Big Bend. The climate ranges from subtropical to arid.

Texas culture is famous for its independent spirit, cowboy and ranching heritage, barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, and a deep love of football. Strong Mexican American influence, live music in Austin, and the oil industry all shape its identity.

Part of Spain and then Mexico, Texas won independence in 1836 after the Battle of the Alamo and existed as the Republic of Texas before joining the US as the 28th state in 1845. Cattle, cotton and especially oil drove its growth into an economic giant.