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Texas: Quick Facts

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Last updated
Immigrant families detained in cold and sunless rooms beyond 72-hour limit, advocates say • Nov. 13, 2026, 5:17 PM ET (AP)
Texas man convicted in beheading of 3 children is put to death, hours after an Oklahoma execution • Nov. 12, 2026, 8:21 PM ET (AP)
CDC eliminates $29 million for HIV prevention in Texas • Nov. 12, 2026, 1:45 PM ET (AP)
Arch Manning leads Texas into his bayou backyard for a key matchup with LSU • Nov. 11, 2026, 11:12 AM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Lone Star State
Capital Austin
Population1 (2020) 29,145,505; (2025 est.) 31,709,821
Governor Greg Abbott (Republican)
Date Of Admission Dec. 29, 1845
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (Republican) • Ted Cruz (Republican)
State Nickname Lone Star State
State Motto "Friendship"
State Bird northern mockingbird
State Flower2 bluebonnet
State Song “Texas, Our Texas”
Seats In U.S. House Of Representatives 38 (of 435)
Time Zone Mountain (GMT − 7 hours) • Central (GMT − 6 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km) 695,662
Total Area (Sq Mi) 268,597
1Excluding military abroad.2Species not designated.

Photos and Videos

Texas state flag
The seal of the state of Texas features a white five-pointed star in the center, surrounded by a green wreath of olive and oak branches, all set against a light blue background with the words The State of Texas encircling the design.
The state bird of Texas is the mockingbird.
Texas' state flower is the bluebonnet.
Political map of Texas showing state boundaries, county lines, and major cities, including state capital Austin and other county seats. The map labels surrounding states and countries-New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mexico-and features an inset locator map highlighting Texas within the United States. Major rivers and the Gulf of Mexico coastline are also visible.
Cattle grazing in a field of blooming bluebonnets with scattered trees and a bright blue sky in the Texas Hill Country.
Physical map of Texas highlighting major rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and landforms such as the Llano Estacado, Edwards Plateau, and Balcones Escarpment. The map shows state boundaries, international borders with Mexico, and includes an inset locator map of Texas within the United States. Major features like Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore are labeled.
Rio Grande
Texas: Guadalupe Peak
Texas: Chisos Mountains
Discover the Cultural Diversity of the State of Texas
Why Did Texas Seek Independence from Mexico?
Explore Causes of the Texas Revolution
What Happened at the Battle of the Alamo?
Learn about Texan Confederate Commanders and the State's Legacy of Slavery
See All Videos, Images and Interactives →

Related Topics and References

Topics
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