Texas Geography Basics Quiz
Location, borders, capital, regions (10 questions).
Texas Geography Basics Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., boasts a remarkably diverse geography, encompassing vast plains, coastal areas, rolling hills, and even mountains. Understanding its physical landscape, borders, and key features is fundamental to appreciating its unique character and history. This quiz tests your knowledge on these foundational aspects of the Lone Star State.
Key Geographical Aspects of Texas
Key Takeaways
- Texas is bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mexico.
- The Gulf of Mexico defines its southeastern coastline.
- Austin is the capital, located roughly in the center of the state.
- Major physiographic regions include the Coastal Plains, North Central Plains, Great Plains, and the Basin and Range (Trans-Pecos).
- The Rio Grande forms the international border with Mexico.
- The Balcones Escarpment is a significant geological fault line influencing central Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Texas’s main geographical regions?
Texas is broadly divided into four major physical regions: the Coastal Plains (eastern and southeastern), the North Central Plains (central), the Great Plains (western and panhandle), and the Basin and Range Province (Trans-Pecos, far western Texas).
Which states and countries border Texas?
Texas shares borders with the U.S. states of New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, and Louisiana to the east. To the south, it borders the country of Mexico, separated primarily by the Rio Grande.
What is the capital of Texas and where is it located?
The capital city of Texas is Austin. It is located in Central Texas, along the Colorado River, situated in the transition zone between the Coastal Plains and the Edwards Plateau, making it a gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
What is the significance of the Rio Grande River for Texas?
The Rio Grande is immensely significant as it forms the entire 1,254-mile international border between Texas and Mexico. It is a vital source of water for irrigation, agriculture, and communities in its basin.
Is Texas primarily flat or mountainous?
Texas is geographically diverse. While large portions of the state, particularly the Coastal Plains and Great Plains, are relatively flat or gently rolling, the far western Trans-Pecos region features significant mountain ranges, including the Guadalupe Mountains, home to the state’s highest peak.

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