Texas Almanac: Facts and Figures

Quick Facts and Figures on the State

Texas Almanac furnishes quick 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
Source:(US Census, April 1, 2000)

Almanac Online

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Almanac: Facts and Figures

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