Texas became the twenty-eighth state of the United States on December 29, 1845. Located in the southern part of the country, it is bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mexico, with a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the “Lone Star State,” Texas was an independent republic before joining the U.S. Its capital is Austin, and its largest city is Houston. Texas is known for its size, natural resources, and diverse culture.