The vastness and diversity of Texas are evident in nearly all aspects of its physical features, economy, history, and cultural life. The physical geography of the state encompasses plains, forests, and mountains with climates ranging from wet coastal areas to dry and barren deserts. Texas is also one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. It is located in the south-central region of the country, with Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico along its southern border.
Texas is the second-largest state in the United States by both land area and population.