Texas, U.S. state in South Central region, United States.
The second-largest state covers 268,596 square miles (695,662 square kilometers) and encompasses coastal plains, mountain ranges, desert regions, and forested areas with geographically distinct landscape forms throughout its territory.
After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, the territory existed for nine years as a sovereign republic before joining the United States as the 28th state in 1845, completing its territorial integration into the union.
The state maintains a distinct regional character shaped by Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American influences that appear in music traditions, culinary practices, and local festivals throughout communities across its vast territory.
Major urban centers including Austin (the capital), Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio offer extensive infrastructure for travelers with international airports, educational institutions, and business districts serving various economic sectors and visitor interests throughout the year.
The state comprises 254 counties with varying terrain types ranging from Gulf Coast wetlands through Hill Country limestone formations to Panhandle Plains grasslands, each presenting distinct geological and climatic characteristics across different elevation zones.
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