Facts About Texas

Texas is a state located in the south-central region of the United States. It is the second largest state in the country, both in terms of land area and population. Texas is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the piney woods of East Texas to the rugged hills of the Big Bend region in the west. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the iconic Texas Longhorn cattle. With its unique culture and history, Texas is a fascinating place to explore.

Geography

Location

Texas is located in the south-central region of the United States. It is bordered by the states of Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, Louisiana to the east, New Mexico to the west, and Mexico to the south. Texas is the second-largest state in the United States in terms of both area and population.

Size

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, covering an area of 268,820 square miles. It is larger than the combined area of the other 49 states and is the largest of the 48 contiguous states. Texas is so large that it is divided into seven distinct regions, including the Hill Country, the Piney Woods, the Big Bend, the Gulf Coast, the Panhandle, the South Plains, and the Trans-Pecos.

Climate

Texas has a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical in the south to semi-arid in the north. The Gulf Coast region is generally the warmest part of the state, while the Panhandle and the Trans-Pecos regions are the coldest. The state experiences hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The average annual rainfall in Texas is approximately 32 inches, with the most rainfall occurring in the eastern part of the state.

History

Pre-Colonial History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Texas was inhabited by numerous Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Caddo. These tribes lived in the area for thousands of years and developed complex societies, cultures, and economies. They hunted, fished, and farmed the land, and traded with other Native American tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these tribes had contact with Europeans as early as the 16th century.

Spanish Exploration

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area that is now Texas. The first Spanish explorer to reach the region was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, who arrived in 1528. He was followed by other Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and Hernando de Soto. The Spanish established several missions in the area, which were used to convert the Native Americans to Christianity.

Mexican Rule

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the area that is now Texas became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. During this period, the region experienced a period of rapid growth and development. Many settlers from the United States moved to the region, and the population of Texas increased significantly.

Annexation by the United States

In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas. The Republic of Texas was short-lived, however, and in 1845, it was annexed by the United States. After annexation, Texas quickly became an important part of the United States, and it was admitted to the Union in 1845. Since then, Texas has played an important role in the history of the United States, and it remains an important part of the country today.

Demographics

Population

Texas is the second most populous state in the United States, with a population of 28.7 million people as of 2019. It is the fastest growing state in the country, with a population growth rate of 1.5%. The majority of the population is concentrated in the cities, with the largest cities being Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. The population of Texas is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures.

Major Cities

Houston is the largest city in Texas, with a population of 2.3 million people. It is the fourth largest city in the United States and is known for its vibrant culture and diverse population. San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas, with a population of 1.5 million people. It is home to the Alamo and the River Walk, and is a popular tourist destination. Dallas is the third largest city in Texas, with a population of 1.3 million people. It is the economic and cultural center of the state, and is home to many major corporations. Austin is the fourth largest city in Texas, with a population of 964,000 people. It is known for its music scene and is a popular destination for young people. Fort Worth is the fifth largest city in Texas, with a population of 874,000 people. It is known for its cowboy culture and is home to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Language

English is the most widely spoken language in Texas, with over 85% of the population speaking it as their primary language. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language, with over 30% of the population speaking it. Other languages spoken in Texas include Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, and French.

Economy

Texas is the second largest state in the United States, both in terms of population and land area. As such, it has a large and diverse economy that is heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry, but also includes a wide range of other industries. Here are some facts about the economy of Texas.

Major Industries

The oil and gas industry is the largest industry in Texas, accounting for about a quarter of the state’s GDP. Other major industries in Texas include agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the state, with cotton, cattle, and dairy being the most important products. Manufacturing is the third largest industry, with the automotive, aerospace, and chemical industries being the most important. Technology is the fourth largest industry, with the computer and electronics industry being the most important. Finally, tourism is the fifth largest industry, with the most popular tourist attractions being the Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk, and the Texas State Capitol.

GDP

Texas has the second largest GDP of any state in the United States, after California. In 2018, the state’s GDP was estimated to be $1.7 trillion, which is larger than the GDP of many countries. The state’s economy is growing at a steady rate, with a projected growth rate of 4.3% for 2019.

Taxation

Texas has a relatively low tax rate compared to other states. The state does not have an income tax, and the sales tax rate is 6.25%. Property taxes are also relatively low, with the average effective rate being 1.83%. The state also has a franchise tax, which is a tax on businesses based on their total revenue. The rate for the franchise tax is 0.75%.

Culture

Music

Texas is home to a wide variety of musical genres, from blues and country to rock and roll and hip hop. Texas has produced some of the most influential musicians in the world, including Willie Nelson, Selena, and ZZ Top. Music festivals are a popular event in Texas, with the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest Music Festival being two of the biggest. The state is also home to the longest-running music awards show in the world, the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Cuisine

Texas cuisine is a unique blend of flavors from different cultures, including Mexican, German, and Southern. The state is known for its barbecue, chili, and Tex-Mex dishes. Popular dishes include chicken fried steak, fajitas, and enchiladas. Texas is also home to some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the world, including the famous Tex-Mex chain, Taco Cabana.

Sports

Texas is home to some of the most successful sports teams in the country, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs. The state is also home to some of the most popular college sports teams, including the University of Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies. Texas is also home to some of the biggest motorsports events in the world, including the NASCAR Cup Series and the IndyCar Series.