How Big Is Texas Compared To Other Countries? COMPARE.EDU.VN offers an in-depth exploration of the Lone Star State’s impressive size, contrasting it with various countries worldwide to provide clarity. If you are interested in Texas size comparisons with other countries, this article will help you decide.
1. Understanding the Size of Texas
Texas is undeniably big. As the second-largest state in the United States, its area spans 268,597 square miles or 171,902,080 acres. This vast expanse is a significant portion of the United States and rivals the sizes of many countries around the globe. Understanding its dimensions sets the stage for meaningful comparisons.
1.1 Texas Compared to Other US States
To put Texas’s size into perspective, consider its relationship to other US states.
- California: Texas is approximately 1.65 times larger than California, which has an area of 163,696 square miles.
- Alaska: Alaska, the largest state in the US, is nearly 2.5 times larger than Texas, covering 663,300 square miles.
- Multiple Smaller States: Fifteen of the smallest US states could fit within Texas simultaneously, including Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. Every state except for Alaska can fit in Texas. Rhode Island, the smallest state at only 1,212 square miles, can fit into Texas about 221 times.
1.2 Texas in the United States Context
Texas makes up a notable percentage of the overall United States in terms of area, economy, and population.
- Land Size: Texas occupies about 7% of the total land size of the US, which is 3.797 million square miles. In other words, the United States is 14 times larger than Texas.
- Economy: The Texas economy, valued at $2.6 trillion, accounts for approximately 9% of the US economy.
- Population: With around 30.5 million residents in 2023, Texas holds about 9.22% of the total US population.
2. Historical Context of Texas’s Size
Texas’s size is not just a geographical fact but also a product of its unique history.
2.1 Independent Republic Status
Unlike many other states formed by subdividing territories, Texas was already a large, independent republic when it joined the Union. This historical context allowed it to retain its expansive borders. At one point, Texas was even larger, encompassing parts of present-day New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
2.2 Rich History and Development
Delving into Texas’s rich history provides a comprehensive understanding of its territorial evolution. Resources such as the Texas history timeline offer valuable insights into the state’s formation.
3. Texas vs. Countries: Land Area Comparisons
Comparing Texas to various countries helps to visualize its scale on a global level. This section explores these comparisons, highlighting notable differences and similarities.
3.1 Texas vs. France
France is roughly the same size as Texas, with Texas being about 8% larger. France covers 248,573 square miles compared to Texas’s 268,597 square miles. While the land areas are similar, the population and economic factors differ significantly.
| Feature | Texas | France |
|---|---|---|
| Land Area | 268,597 square miles | 248,573 square miles |
| Population | Approximately 29.3 million | Approximately 67.4 million |
| GDP | $2 trillion | $2.9 trillion |
3.2 Texas vs. The United Kingdom (UK)
Texas is significantly larger than the UK, being 2.8 times its size. Texas covers 268,597 square miles, while the UK covers only 93,628 square miles. Despite the size difference, the UK has a larger population and economy.
| Feature | Texas | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Land Area | 268,597 square miles | 93,628 square miles |
| Population | Approximately 29.2 million | Approximately 67.2 million |
| GDP | $2 trillion | $2.7 trillion |
3.3 Texas vs. Germany
Texas is nearly twice as big as Germany. Texas covers 268,597 square miles, which is 94.5% larger than Germany’s 138,065 square miles. However, Germany’s population and GDP are considerably larger than those of Texas.
| Feature | Texas | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Land Area | 268,597 square miles | 138,065 square miles |
| Population | Approximately 2.9 million | Approximately 83.2 million |
| GDP | $2 trillion | $3.8 trillion |
3.4 Texas vs. Japan
Texas is 84% larger, or almost twice the size of Japan. Texas occupies 268,597 square miles, while Japan spans 145,937 square miles. Japan’s population density is significantly higher, reflecting its smaller land area but larger population.
| Feature | Texas | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Land Area | 268,597 square miles | 145,937 square miles |
| Population | Approximately 29.2 million | Approximately 125.8 million |
| GDP | $2 trillion | $5 trillion |
3.5 Countries Similar in Size to Texas
Several countries are close in size to Texas, providing a tangible sense of its vastness.
- Myanmar (Burma): With 261,227 square miles, Myanmar is quite similar in size to Texas.
- Zambia: Covering 290,587 square miles, Zambia is also comparable to Texas in land area.
4. Population and Economic Comparisons
While land area provides one perspective, comparing population and economic output offers a more holistic view.
4.1 Population Density
The population density of Texas is significantly lower compared to many countries. This stark contrast highlights how much open space exists within the state.
- Texas: Approximately 105 people per square mile.
- California: Approximately 253 people per square mile.
- England: High population density due to its smaller land area and large population.
- Japan: Extremely high population density due to its mountainous terrain and limited habitable areas.
4.2 Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Texas has a robust economy, but it is still smaller than some of the countries it surpasses in land area.
- Texas: $2.6 trillion GDP.
- California: $3.4 trillion GDP.
- UK: $2.7 trillion GDP.
- Germany: $3.8 trillion GDP.
- Japan: $5 trillion GDP.
- France: $2.9 trillion GDP.
5. Intriguing Facts About the Scale of Texas
Several little-known facts further illustrate the impressive scale of Texas.
5.1 Capacity for World Population
The entire world population of 7.8 billion could theoretically fit into Texas, assuming the population density of New York City (27,000 per square mile).
5.2 Ranking Among Countries
If Texas were an independent country, it would rank as the 40th largest in the world out of 193 countries, surpassing the size of every country in Europe.
5.3 King Ranch Size
King Ranch, the largest ranch in Texas and the US, spans 1,289 square miles, making it larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
5.4 Road and Travel Distances
The vast distances within Texas are notable.
- The fastest road in the United States is in Texas, stretching 40 miles from Austin to San Antonio with a speed limit of 85 miles per hour.
- El Paso is closer to Denver (637 miles) than to Houston (747 miles).
- El Paso, Texas, is closer to the Pacific Ocean at San Diego, California, than to Texarkana, Texas.
- U. S. 83 is the longest highway in Texas at 783.5 miles long, running from Perryton on the Oklahoma state line to the border of Mexico at Brownsville.
- It takes 11 hours to drive 773 miles from east to west across Texas.
- It takes around 13 hours to drive the 805 miles from the northernmost point to the southernmost in Texas.
5.5 Urban and Infrastructure Scale
Even urban and infrastructural elements in Texas reflect its expansive size.
- The “Texas Triangle,” including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, houses over 21 million of Texas’s 30.5 million residents.
- The Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, at 27 square miles, is larger than the island of Manhattan.
- Texas has the U.S.’s largest domed state capitol building with 18 acres of floor space.
6. Driving Across Texas: A Journey of Scale
The sheer size of Texas becomes palpable when considering travel times across the state. Driving across Texas is an experience that vividly illustrates its vastness.
6.1 East to West Drive
Traveling from east to west across Texas is a long haul.
- Distance: Approximately 773 miles.
- Driving Time: About 11 hours without stops. Adding stops for breaks and meals extends the journey.
- Route: Starting in El Paso, travelers would head east on I-10 until reaching I-20. From there, I-20 leads through Odessa, Abilene, the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, and to Waskom, near the Texas-Louisiana border.
- Alternatively, you can fly four hours from El Paso to Shreveport Regional Airport just on the Louisiana side of the Texas-Louisiana border.
6.2 North to South Drive
Driving from the northernmost to the southernmost points in Texas also demonstrates the state’s significant dimensions.
- Distance: Approximately 805 miles.
- Driving Time: Around 13 hours. Including stops at popular locales like Buc-ee’s and Whataburger can extend the trip to about 15 hours.
- Route: Starting in Texhoma, a town on the Texas-Oklahoma border, the route heads south through Lubbock, San Antonio, and down to Brownsville, the southernmost city in Texas.
7. The Impact of Texas’s Size
The size of Texas influences various aspects of life within the state, from its economy to its culture.
7.1 Economic Impact
Texas’s extensive land area supports a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. This contributes to its robust economy and high GDP.
7.2 Cultural Diversity
The state’s vastness fosters a diverse cultural landscape, with distinct regional identities and traditions. From the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, Texas boasts a rich tapestry of cultural influences.
7.3 Infrastructure Challenges
Managing infrastructure across such a large area presents unique challenges. Transportation, utilities, and communication networks require substantial investment and careful planning.
8. The Future of Texas
As Texas continues to grow in population and economic influence, its size will remain a defining characteristic. Understanding its dimensions is crucial for addressing future challenges and opportunities.
8.1 Population Growth
With a growing population, Texas faces the challenge of balancing urban development with the preservation of its natural resources. Sustainable growth strategies are essential for maintaining the state’s quality of life.
8.2 Economic Development
Texas’s diverse economy positions it for continued growth in the coming years. Strategic investments in key sectors, such as technology and healthcare, can further enhance its economic competitiveness.
8.3 Environmental Stewardship
Given its vast land area, environmental stewardship is paramount. Protecting Texas’s natural resources and addressing climate change will be critical for ensuring a sustainable future.
9. Conclusion: Texas’s Unique Place in the World
In conclusion, Texas stands out not only for its impressive size but also for its unique history, diverse culture, and robust economy. Comparing Texas to other countries and US states underscores its significance on both a national and global scale. Its vastness shapes its identity and presents both challenges and opportunities for the future.
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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10.1 How does Texas compare to California in size?
Texas is approximately 1.65 times larger than California.
10.2 Is Texas bigger than the UK?
Yes, Texas is 2.8 times larger than the UK.
10.3 What country is about the same size as Texas?
France is roughly the same size as Texas.
10.4 How long does it take to drive across Texas?
It takes about 11 hours to drive from east to west and around 13 hours from north to south.
10.5 What is the population density of Texas?
Approximately 105 people per square mile.
10.6 How many acres is Texas?
Texas is 171.902 million acres.
10.7 What is the GDP of Texas?
The GDP of Texas is $2.6 trillion.
10.8 Can the entire world population fit into Texas?
Theoretically, yes, assuming the population density of New York City.
10.9 How does Texas rank in size compared to other countries?
If Texas were a country, it would be the 40th largest in the world.
10.10 What makes Texas so big compared to other US states?
Texas was an independent republic when it joined the Union, allowing it to retain its large size.
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