Texas

Texas is located in south central USA. Next in size to Alaska, the state encompasses a terrain that includes the semi-tropical valleys of the Rio Grande to the higher elevations of the Guadalupe Mountains to the 600 miles of warm water coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

Texas has many neighbors. The state of New Mexico lies west and Oklahoma and Arkansas lie northeast. Louisiana borders its east side. The country of Mexico, once a part of Texas, shares its southern boundary and many of its cuisine and celebrations. The capital of Texas is Austin.

Texas is big, covering more than 260,000 square miles of land and water, compared to California's 158,000 square miles. Its longest distance north to south as the crow flies is 800 miles. Its east to west distance, at 770 miles, is only slightly narrower.

The Lone Star State, nick-named thus for its one star flag, became self-sufficient early on in its history, due to the wise development of oversized cattle ranches and lucrative oil fields. Today, cities like Dallas and Houston, the state's largest city, are finance, trade and sport centers. As well, Texas universities are world renowned.

Climate in Texas includes year round sunshine in the southern sections to the snow-covered hills in the north.

Highlights in the state include exploring historical cities like San Antonio and relaxing at seaside resort towns like Galveston.