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USA: TEXAS

First explored by Spaniards moving north from Mexico in search of gold. Texas was controlled by Spain and then Mexico, before becoming an independent republic in 1836, and joining the union of States in 1845. During the 19^th century, many of the migrants who came to Texas raised cattle on the abundant land; in the 20^th century, they were joined by prospectors attracted by the promise of oil riches. Today, although natural resources, especially oil, still form the basis of its wealth, the diversified Texan economy includes thriving hi-tech and finance industries. The major urban centres, home to 80% of the population, home to 80% of the population, lie in the south and east, and include Houston, the ‘oil-city’, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Hispanic influences remain strong, especially in the south and west.

Using the land:

Cotton production and livestock-raising, particularly cattle, dominate farming, although crop failure and the demands of local markets have led to some diversification. Following the introduction of modern farming techniques, cotton production spread out from the east to the plains of western Texas. Cattle ranches are widespread, while sheep and goats are raised on the dry Edwards Plateau.

The urban/rural population divide:

Population density Total land area

84 people per sq mile 261.797 sq miles

(33 people per sq km) (678.028 sq km)

The huge cattle ranches of Texas developed during the 19^th century when land was plentiful and could be acquired cheaply. Today, more cattle and sheep are raised in Texas than in any other state.

The landscape:

Texas is made up of a series of massive steps descending from the mountains and high plains of the west and northwest to the coastal lowlands in the southeast. Many of the state’s borders are delineated by water. The Rio Grande flows from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, marking the border with Mexico.

The Llano Estacado or Staked Plain in northern Texas is known for its harsh environment. In the north, freezing winds carrying ice and snow sweep down from the Rocky Mountains and to the south, sandstorms frequently blow up, scouring anything in their paths.

The Guadalupe Mountains lie in the southern Rocky Mountains. They incorporate Guadalupe Peak, the highest in Texas, rising 8749 ft (2667 m).

The Rock Escarpment juts out from the plains, running 200 miles (320 km) from north to south. Its height varies from 300 ft (90 m) rising to sheer cliffs up to 1000 ft (300 m).

The Rio Grande flows from the Rocky Mountains through semi-arid land, supporting sparse vegetation. The river actually shrinks along its course, losing more water through evaporation and seepage than it gains from its tributaries and rainfall.

The Red River flows for 1300 miles (2090 km), marking most of the northern border of Texas. A dam and reservoir along its course provide vital irrigation and hydro-electric power to the surrounding area.

Edwards Plateau is a limestone outcrop. It is part of the Great Plains, bounded to the southeast by the Balcones Escarpment, which marks the southerly limit of the plains.

Laguna Madre in southern Texas has been almost completely cut off from the sea by Padre Island. This sand bank was created by wave action, carrying and depositing material along the coast. The process is known as long shore drift.

Extensive forests of pine and cypress grow in the eastern corner of the coastal lowlands where the average rainfall is 45 inches (1145 mm) a year. This is higher than the rest of the state and over twice the average in the west.

Oil deposits are found beneath much of Texas. They collect as oil migrates upwards through porous layers of rock until it is trapped, either by a cap of rock above a salt dome, or by a fault line which exposes impermeable rock through which the oil cannot rise.

Transport and Industry:

Industry in the 20^th century was largely concentrated on the processing of local raw materials, especially oil – deposits were discovered under 65% of the state’s area. The technological demands of the oil industry and defence-related institutions, particularly NASA, have stimulated the development of numerous electronics and hi-tech firms which, alongside many national corporate headquarters, are based in Dallas- Fort Worth and Houston.

Major industry and infrastructure:

Chemicals, defence, engineering, finance, food processing, gas, hi-tech industry, mining, oil, textile, major towns, international airports, major roads, major industrial areas