Texas

As the second-largest U.S. state by both area and population, Texas serves as the nation's most populous hub in the South Central region, boasting a coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and a diverse economy driven by energy, technology, and agriculture. Nicknamed the Lone Star State for its history as an independent republic, the region is home to over 31 million residents and ranks second in the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the United States.