| Texas is a state with a wild-west heritage and an enduring love for its land, freedom and cowboy lifestyle. The state name means those who are friends and Texans also take pride in the states reputation for warmth and hospitality. The Texas almanac divides the sprawling territory into four regions, each with its own distinct geography and climate: the Gulf Coastal Plains, Interior Lowlands, Great Plains and the Basin and Range Province . Urban hubs include Houston , San Antonio and Dallas ; all of which are home to over one million people. Among states, Texas ranks second in the categories of population, area and gross domestic product. No personal income tax, limited business regulation, low taxation and low housing prices ensure a booming, pro-business environment. Texas has 268,581 square miles of land and plenty of range for the states equine population of nearly a million to roam. Rodeo is very popular among horse lovers in the Lone Star State with major annual events taking place in Houston and Fort Worth . Around a half million Texans are participating in the horse world, either as a employee, rider or horse owner. The total economic impact is over $5 billion. Texas in Numbers:
Horses: 979,000 horses
Including: Quarter Horses: 453,600 Thoroughbred: 148,00 Land Area: 261,797 sq. miles
Population: 22,118,509
Capital:..Austin Counties: 254
Highest Point: Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet, located in the county of Culberson
Lowest Point: Gulf of Mexico at Sea Level
Geographic Center: Located in McCulloch County, 15 miles north east of Brady
10 largest Cities:
Houston: 2,016,582; San Antonio: 1,256,509; Dallas: 1,213,825; Austin: 690,252; Fort Worth: 624,067; El Paso: 598,590; Arlington: 362,805; Corpus Christi: 283,474; Plano: 250,096; Garland:216,346
| 
