MUST VISIT: Gay-friendly bars & nightlife 'Friendship' is the state's motto, and the people of Texas live by that motto. Texans are known for their large, welcoming hearts. Perhaps one of the most recognized nicknames of any state, 'The Lone Star State,' comes from the symbolism of the star on the 1836 flag of the republic, the 'National Standard of Texas.' The single golden star on a blue background signified Texas as an independent republic and a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. 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.
