What Countries Is Texas Bigger Than?

Texas is famous for many things: cowboys, barbecue, and everything being bigger. But just how big is the Lone Star State? With an area of 268,597 square miles, Texas is massive—so massive that it’s actually larger than many entire countries around the world.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Texas is larger than 139 recognized nations across the globe, including powerhouses like Germany, France, Norway, and Greece.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at exactly how the size of Texas compares to other nations, examining key facts and figures as well as some examples of specific countries that fit within Texas’ borders.

How Texas Compares in Size to Other U.S. States

Texas is the second largest U.S. state by total area

When it comes to land size, Texas is truly impressive. With a total area of approximately 268,581 square miles, it is the second largest state in the United States. Only Alaska surpasses Texas in terms of sheer size.

To put it into perspective, Texas is about two and a half times larger than the state of California. Its vast expanse encompasses diverse landscapes, including deserts, forests, mountains, and coastal plains.

With such a large land area, Texas offers a wide range of recreational activities for its residents and visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Big Bend National Park, enjoy water sports on the Gulf of Mexico, or hike through the picturesque Palo Duro Canyon.

Alaska is the only state bigger than Texas

While Texas holds the impressive title of the second largest state in the United States, it falls short in comparison to the largest state, Alaska. With an astounding total area of over 663,000 square miles, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas.

Its immense size encompasses breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and vast stretches of wilderness.

It is important to note that although Alaska surpasses Texas in terms of land area, Texas has a significantly larger population. With over 29 million residents, Texas is the second most populous state in the country, after California.

It’s fascinating to consider the sheer size of Texas and how it compares to other states in the United States. The diverse landscapes and vastness of the Lone Star State truly make it stand out on the map.

Texas is Bigger Than Many Major Countries

When it comes to size, Texas is truly larger than life. In fact, it is bigger than many major countries around the world. Let’s take a closer look at some of these comparisons:

Germany would fit inside Texas with room to spare

If you think Texas is big, imagine this – Germany, one of the most populous countries in Europe, would fit inside the Lone Star State with plenty of room to spare. Texas covers an area of approximately 268,581 square miles, while Germany spans about 137,847 square miles.

That means you could fit Germany inside Texas not just once, but almost twice!

France is smaller than Texas by about 92,000 square miles

When it comes to land area, Texas surpasses France by a considerable margin. While France covers an area of about 248,573 square miles, Texas boasts an impressive size of approximately 268,581 square miles. That’s a difference of around 92,000 square miles!

It’s safe to say that Texas has plenty of room to roam.

Italy is less than half the size of Texas

Italy, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes, may be beloved by many, but it pales in comparison to the vast expanse of Texas. With an area of approximately 116,350 square miles, Italy is less than half the size of the Lone Star State.

Texas truly takes the saying “everything is bigger in Texas” to a whole new level.

These comparisons highlight the sheer size of Texas and its place among major countries. It’s fascinating to think about the vastness of this state and how it dwarfs countries that are known worldwide. So, the next time you’re in Texas, take a moment to appreciate just how big it really is!

Even Some Very Large Countries are Smaller than Texas

When it comes to size, Texas truly stands out. In fact, this Lone Star State is so vast that it surpasses the land area of many countries around the world. Even some very large countries fall short in comparison to the sheer size of Texas.

Norway, while expansive, is still smaller than Texas

Known for its stunning natural landscapes and fjords, Norway is often associated with vast open spaces. However, even Norway, with its expanses of land, falls short when compared to the land area of Texas.

While Norway covers approximately 148,729 square miles, Texas boasts an impressive land area of over 268,597 square miles. This means that Texas is significantly larger than Norway, highlighting the sheer magnitude of this US state.

For further comparison, consider the fact that Texas is more than 1.8 times larger than Norway. This vast expanse of land in Texas provides ample opportunities for various activities and industries, from agriculture and energy production to tourism and recreational pursuits.

Greece covers an area about half the size of Texas

Greece, known for its rich history, stunning islands, and picturesque landscapes, covers an area that is approximately half the size of Texas. With a land area of around 50,949 square miles, Greece is dwarfed by the expansive landmass of Texas.

Imagine the possibilities that arise from a state that is more than five times the size of Greece. Texas offers a diverse range of landscapes, from vast plains and rolling hills to breathtaking canyons and towering mountains.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities or venturing into the great outdoors, there is no shortage of experiences to be had in this colossal state.

It’s worth noting that while Texas is larger than many countries, the comparison is based on land area alone. Population density and other factors may vary significantly between Texas and these countries. Nevertheless, the immense size of Texas is truly remarkable and sets it apart on a global scale.

In Total, 139 Countries are Smaller than Texas

When it comes to size, Texas is truly in a league of its own. In fact, there are a staggering 139 countries around the world that are smaller than the Lone Star State. This mind-boggling statistic showcases the sheer magnitude of Texas and its immense land area.

Nations across Europe, Africa, and Asia are dwarfed by Texas

Across Europe, there are several countries that pale in comparison to the vastness of Texas. For example, Belgium, the home of waffles and chocolate, is just a fraction of the size of Texas. Similarly, the Netherlands, famous for its tulips and windmills, is also dwarfed by the Lone Star State.

Traveling to Africa, we find that countries like Rwanda and Burundi are considerably smaller than Texas. These nations, known for their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, are a testament to the impressive size of Texas.

Heading over to Asia, we discover that even countries as diverse as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are no match for Texas. Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is just a small island compared to the expansive land area of Texas.

Bangladesh, with its vibrant culture and bustling cities, is also significantly smaller than the Lone Star State.

Many island nations have tiny areas compared to Texas

When it comes to island nations, Texas’s size becomes even more apparent. Countries like Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, and Cyprus, nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean, have minuscule land areas compared to Texas.

These picturesque destinations may be small in size, but they are certainly big on charm.

Heading to the Pacific, we encounter countries like Fiji and the Maldives, which are renowned for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. While these tropical paradises are beloved by travelers, they are still much smaller than the expansive Texas.

What Accounts for Texas’ Massive Size?

Texas’ roots as an independent republic left it with a large land area

One of the major factors contributing to the massive size of Texas is its unique history as an independent republic. After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas existed as a sovereign nation for nearly a decade.

During this time, the Republic of Texas claimed a substantial amount of land, stretching from the Rio Grande to the Red River. This initial acquisition of territory set the stage for Texas to become one of the largest states in the United States.

It’s worth noting that the size of Texas today is a result of various land deals and treaties. The annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845 added even more land to the state’s already sizable territory.

This historical context helps explain why Texas is larger than many countries around the world.

Cheap land prices encouraged expansion westward in the 1800s

Another factor that contributed to Texas’ massive size is the availability of cheap land prices during the 1800s. As the United States expanded westward, pioneers and settlers were drawn to the vast open spaces of Texas.

The Homestead Act of 1862, which offered free land to anyone willing to settle and develop it, further incentivized migration to Texas.

The combination of fertile land, favorable climate, and the promise of a fresh start attracted people from all walks of life to Texas. Farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs flocked to the state, leading to rapid population growth and the expansion of settlements across the vast Texas landscape.

As the above comparison shows, Texas is even larger than some notable countries in terms of land area. Its vast expanse is a testament to the state’s rich history, unique geographic features, and the influence of pioneering spirit that defined its early years.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the claim that everything is bigger in Texas holds true when it comes to the state’s sheer physical size. Spanning over 260,000 square miles and outpacing 139 other countries worldwide, Texas earns its reputation as a mammoth among states and nations. While it may seem surprising that major European powers like France and Germany are dwarfed by a single U.S. state, the facts speak for themselves—you could fit entire countries within Texas’ expansive borders. Understanding the huge scale of the Lone Star State provides insight into its outsized role in history, culture and identity. So next time you’re driving through miles upon miles of Texas landscape, remember just how gigantic the state truly is!