Texas facts

1. Texas is the second largest state in the United States, both in terms of land area and population.

2. The state's capital is Austin, but the largest city is Houston.
3. Texas is known as the "Lone Star State" because of the single star on its flag.
4. Texas was once an independent republic, having gained independence from Mexico in 1836.
5. The state's economy is diverse, but has a strong focus on agriculture, energy, and technology industries.
6. Texas is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, which serves as the center for human spaceflight training, research, and mission control.
7. The state is known for its barbecue, Tex-Mex cuisine, and cowboy culture.
8. Texas is home to several major sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB).
9. The state is also known for its natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to forests to coastal marshes.
10. Texas has a rich history, with influences from Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, Mexican settlers, and American pioneers.