When comparing global regions, one common question is: “Is Texas bigger than the UK?” The answer might surprise you. Texas, America’s second-largest state, covers 268,597 square miles, while the United Kingdom spans 93,628 square miles. This means Texas is about 2.8 times larger than the UK in land area. But size isn’t everything—this article explores how these regions compare in population, geography, and economic impact.
Land Area: Texas vs UK
Texas Size Facts
- Total area: 268,597 sq mi (695,662 km²)
- Larger than many countries, including France and Germany
- Could fit the UK 2.8 times within its borders
UK Size Facts
- Total area: 93,628 sq mi (242,495 km²)
- Comprises four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- About 1.5 times smaller than California
Visual Comparison:
- Texas = ~2.8 UKs
- UK = ~1/3 of Texas
Population Comparison
While Texas dwarfs the UK in size, their populations tell a different story:
| Region | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 30 million | 114/sq mi |
| UK | 67 million | 727/sq mi |
Key Takeaways:
✔ UK has more than double Texas’ population
✔ UK is 6 times more densely populated
✔ Texas has vast rural areas vs UK’s urban concentration
Geographic Features Compared
Texas Geography
- Diverse landscapes: deserts, plains, forests, coastline
- Longest river: Rio Grande (1,896 miles)
- Highest point: Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft)
UK Geography
- Mostly temperate plains and rolling hills
- Longest river: River Severn (220 miles)
- Highest point: Ben Nevis (4,413 ft)
Climate Difference:
- Texas: Hot summers, mild winters (varies by region)
- UK: Mild, rainy maritime climate
Economic & Cultural Impact
Texas Economy
- GDP: $2.4 trillion (would rank as world’s 8th largest economy)
- Key industries: Oil, tech, agriculture
- Major cities: Houston, Dallas, Austin
UK Economy
- GDP: $3.1 trillion (world’s 6th largest)
- Key industries: Finance, manufacturing, services
- Major cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham
Interesting Fact: If Texas were a country, its economy would be larger than Russia’s.
Travel & Lifestyle Differences
Driving Distance Examples
- Texas: El Paso to Houston = 857 miles (~12.5 hours)
- UK: London to Edinburgh = 403 miles (~7 hours)
Cultural Contrasts
- Texas: Known for cowboy culture, BBQ, and big everything
- UK: Famous for historic landmarks, pubs, and tea culture
Conclusion
So, is Texas bigger than the UK? Absolutely—Texas is nearly three times larger in land area, though the UK has more than double its population. While Texas boasts wide-open spaces and a booming economy, the UK packs history, culture, and population density into a much smaller area. Whether you prefer big skies or cozy villages, both regions offer unique appeal.
Next time someone asks this size comparison, you’ll have all the facts!
