Texas State...
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Texas Almanac: Facts and Figures
Quick Facts and Figures on the State
Texas Almanac furnishes facts and figures on the state, its geography, climate and weather, elevation, land area, bordering states, electoral votes, number of senators and representatives to the US Congress, and other statistical data. Use this almanac of Texas for information on local issues, politics, events, celebrations, people and business pertaining to the state of Texas that can be found online.
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Texas is one of the West South Central states of the US.
In the 19th century the Texas economy was based on cattle breeding, cotton growing, and other agricultural activities. After 1900 petroleum and natural-gas production became very important, and the state also developed a diversified manufacturing sector.
Texas Almanac
|
| Official Name |
Texas |
| Capital |
Austin |
| Nick Name |
Lone Star State |
| Motto |
Friendship |
| Location & Region |
30.30588 N, 097.75052 W |
Texas |
| Constitution Ratified |
1876 |
| Statehood |
December 29, 1845 |
28th state |
| Population |
20,851,820 |
79.61 sq mi. |
2nd |
Largest City
(by population) |
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso |
| Bordering States |
North: Oklahoma (Red River forms part of the Northern boundary) North East: Arkansas
East: Louisiana (Sabine River forms part of the Eastern boundary)
South East: Gulf of Mexico
South West: Mexico (Rio Grande forms the border with Mexico)
West: New Mexico
Coastline: 367 mi.
|
| Number of Counties |
254 Counties in Texas |
Largest County
(by population) |
Harris County |
3,400,578 |
1,729 sq mi. |
| Electoral Votes |
34 (as of the 2004 Presidential Election) |
| US Congress |
2 Senators; 32 Representatives |
| Time Zone |
Central Standard Time |
Texas Climate and Weather
|
The climate in Texas varies from hot and humid along the Gulf Coast to cool and dry in the upper reaches of the Guadalupe Mountains. The climate is warmer than in most parts of the US: Temperatures usually run in the mid to upper 90s F/35-36 C during July and August (with readings above 100 F/37 C occurring quite frequently). In addition to the heat, the eastern third of the state is quite humid (conditions get drier as you move west). Summer visitors should be prepared to pace themselves. Wear light, loose clothing and a hat -- the Texas sun is quite intense. Air-conditioning is nearly universal (especially in automobiles -- be sure yours has it), so relief is not hard to find. Even though nighttime lows in most places are in the low 70s F/21-23 C, you may want a sweater for the times when the air-conditioning is turned too low (Texans seem to love it that way) or when you're visiting the far north or mountains. Spring and summer can bring intense, heavy rains and occasional
tornadoes. Hurricanes are possible in August and September. In the dry western part of the state, dust storms can occur in March and April.
Winter in Texas is more varied in temperature across the state than summer. Panhandle winters often dip well below freezing (occasionally even below 0 F/-18 C). Snow (or ice) is possible anywhere in north Texas, but rarely does it get heavy or last long. In south Texas, winters are usually quite pleasant, although they can range from freezing to a balmy 70 F/21 C.
Expect temperatures in the spring to range 56-79 F/12-25 C (cooler in the north and in the mountains, warmer on the coast and in the south). |
| Highest Temperature |
120 degrees
August 12, 1936 - Seymour |
| Lowest Temperature |
-23 degrees
February 8, 1933 - Seminole |
| Avg Temp: High - Low |
98.5 degrees |
21.7 degrees |
Texas Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)
|
| Mean Elevation |
1,700 |
| Highest Point |
Guadalupe Peak |
8,749 |
| Lowest Point |
Gulf of Mexico |
Sea level |
Texas Land Area (Square Miles)
|
| Geographic Center |
|
| Total Area |
268,580.82 |
2nd |
| Land Area |
261,797.12 |
97.48% |
| Water Area |
6,783.70 |
2.52% |
| Forested Land Area |
51.6% |
Dimensions
(Length - Width) |
790 miles |
660 miles |
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Source: (US Census, April 1, 2000)
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50 State Resource Guide
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