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Map of Texas, showing major cities and roads

Texas (IPA: /ˈtɛksəs/) is a state geographically located in the West South Central United States. With an area of 261,797 square miles (678,050 km²) and a rapidly growing population of 23.5 million spread among 254 counties, Texas is the second largest U.S. state in both area and population. Dallas and Houston are the centers of the state's two largest metropolitan areas. Other major cities include the state capital of Austin, the state's oldest major city of San Antonio, and the western city of El Paso.[3]

Topographically, the easternmost section of the state is covered by the same piney woods that cover much of the Deep South. Moving westward, the state gradually becomes more arid, turning into prairie and eventually desert in the Big Bend region surrounding El Paso. Also, the wide open spaces of the Texan prairie have lent currency to the phrase that "everything is bigger in Texas." Due to its long history as a center of the American cattle industry, Texas is associated throughout much of the world with the image of the cowboy.

Because of its large size and unique history, the regional affiliation of Texas is often debated. Historically and culturally, it has very strong ties to the American South. However, due to Texas's history as a Spanish colony, its border with Mexico, and its large Latino population, Texas can also be considered a Southwestern state. Nevertheless, while most residents acknowledge the state belonging to the Southern and/or Western United States, many claim an independent "Texan" identity superceding regional labels.

Spain was the first European country to claim Texas. Starting in the 1820s, American and European immigrants began arriving in the area. Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and existed as the independent Republic of Texas for nearly a decade. In 1845, it joined the United States as the 28th state. Texas is one of only four independent states to enter the US federation.[citation needed] Annexation of Texas led the United States to war with Mexico leading to the Mexican Cession and helping plant seeds for the American Civil War. Texas was the 7th state to join the Confederate States of America. Near the turn of the 19th century, discovery of oil led to an economic boom in the state and greatly increased funding for higher education. Texas grew rapidly, becoming the second largest state in population 1994, and became economically diversified, with a growing base in high technology.

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1 Etymology 2 History

2.1 Colonization 2.2 Independence 2.3 Statehood 2.4 Confederate States of America 2.5 Modern Texas

3 Geography

3.1 Geology

4 Climate 5 Demographics

5.1 Race and ethnic origins 5.2 Religion 5.3 Major cities

6 Government and politics

6.1 Political system 6.2 Justice system 6.3 Administrative divisions

7 Economy 8 Culture

8.1 Arts and theatre 8.2 Sports

9 Architecture 10 Transportation

10.1 Highways 10.2

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