USA Texas | North America

Texas is located in the south-central United States, bordering the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south, and the U.S. states of New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, and Louisiana to the east. The state's primary economic feature is its status as a global leader in energy production and aerospace, while its geography is defined by the Balcones Fault, which separates the coastal plains from the central hill country and western high plains. The capital city is Austin.

History & Culture

Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, existing as the sovereign Republic of Texas until its annexation by the United States in 1845. The political history includes a period within the Confederate States (1861–1865) and a late 20th-century transition to a Republican stronghold. Primary religious affiliations are Protestantism (50%) and Catholicism (23%). Texas Independence Day (March 2) and Juneteenth (June 19) are significant state-specific holidays. Social etiquette emphasizes "Southern hospitality," including the use of "sir" and "ma'am," and a high cultural value placed on individual property rights.

Language & Communication

The official language is English, though Texas has no legally designated state language. English proficiency is high, with Spanish being the second most spoken language (approximately 29%). Dominant local dialects include the Texan English drawl and German-Texan influences in the Hill Country.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 31.2 million, with 85% urban and 15% rural distribution. Top three export commodities are petroleum oils, natural gas, and electronic integrated circuits. GDP per capita is approximately $78,000 USD. The energy sector (oil and gas) is the primary industry driving the labor market, followed by technology and agriculture.

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of most EU nations and the UK require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for stays up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. All other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival or E-Visa system for non-waiver countries. Federal border checkpoints are active throughout southern Texas near the international boundary.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and tap-to-pay are universal in all urban and suburban settings. Cash remains common in rural livestock auctions and small-town diners. ATM availability is high across the state, including gas stations and convenience stores.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by personal vehicles via the Interstate Highway System (notably I-10, I-35, and I-45). High-frequency domestic flights connect the major hubs of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), and Austin (AUS). Amtrak operates the "Texas Eagle" and "Sunset Limited" rail lines, though service is infrequent. Private bus carriers like Vonlane and Greyhound provide inter-city terrestrial transit.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the "Texas Triangle" (Dallas-Houston-San Antonio/Austin). 4G LTE is the standard in rural ranching districts, though dead zones exist in the remote Trans-Pecos and Big Bend regions.

Climate & Seasonality

Texas features three primary climate zones: humid subtropical in the east, semi-arid in the center, and arid in the west. The wettest months are typically May and October. The dry season occurs during the peak summer months of July and August, when temperatures frequently exceed 38°C (100°F).

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include severe thunderstorms/tornadoes (especially in the north), hurricanes (coastal regions), and extreme heat exhaustion. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Gulf Coast (Energy/NASA): Hub city is Houston.

North Texas (Finance/Aviation): Hub city is Dallas.

Hill Country (Tech/Politics): Hub city is Austin.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.25 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.50 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

The "Legend of the Bluebonnet" is a Comanche folktale explaining the origin of the state flower; it tells of a young girl who sacrificed her most beloved possession-a doll-to the Great Spirits during a drought, resulting in the ground being covered in blue flowers the following morning.