Texas information

Texas is a state geographically located in the South Central United States. With an area of and a population of 23.5 million in 254 counties, the state is the second largest in the Union in area (after Alaska) and has the second highest population (after California). Due to its large size and unique history, the regional affiliation of Texas is often debated. Historically, it has very strong ties to the American South. Today, Texas can be considered both a Southern and Southwestern state, containing cultural elements of both regions. Residents in the cities of Houston and Dallas sometimes identify more with the South while residents of San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and El Paso identify with the Southwest. Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are the respective centers of the state's two largest metropolitan areas, while Houston and San Antonio are the largest cities.
The state's name derives from a word in the Caddoan language of the Hasinai, which means "friends" or "allies". 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 4 independent states to enter the US federation. Vermont acted as an independent nation for 14 years before joining the United States in 1791. California and Hawaii were also independent before being annexed by the United States. (...) more....

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