What is the largest of the contiguous United States?
Texas is the largest of the contiguous United States.
As of 2026, it covers 268,596 square miles and sits at coordinates centered around 31.0° N, 100.0° W. That giant footprint stretches 773 miles from north to south and 790 miles from east to west.
Where exactly is Texas located geographically?
Texas sits in the southern central region of North America
It borders Mexico to the south and four U.S. states—Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico—to the east and north. Its massive size and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it a major player in trade, agriculture, and energy.
What are the key metrics for Texas?
Texas has a land area of 268,596 square miles
| Metric |
Data |
| Land Area (sq mi) |
268,596 |
| Population (2024 est.) |
30.5 million |
| Population Density (per sq mi) |
113 |
| Bordering Countries/States |
Mexico; Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico |
| Major Metropolitan Areas |
Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso |
What’s the historical significance of Texas?
Texas joined the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845
Before that, it spent a decade as an independent republic. The name “Texas” comes from the Caddo word táysha, meaning “friends” or “allies.” By the late 1800s, cattle drives and the 1901 Spindletop oil strike turned it into a symbol of economic promise. Today, Texas stands out as the only state with its own power grid and ranks as a top exporter of beef, semiconductors, and chemicals.
What does the Texas landscape look like?
The landscape ranges from arid deserts to dense forests and coastal plains
You’ll find the Chihuahuan Desert in the west, pine forests in East Texas, and coastal plains hugging the Gulf. Major highways like I-35 and I-10 crisscross the state, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport handles plenty of domestic and international flights. Popular spots include the Alamo, Big Bend National Park, and Space Center Houston. Weather patterns vary wildly: northern areas get chilly winters, the south stays subtropical, and the Panhandle can face intense storms. Business-wise, Texas keeps things simple with no state income tax and heavy investment in infrastructure.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
