Houston is the populous city in Texas and the fourth most populous city in the United States. According to the 2012 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 2.16 million people within a land area of 599.6 square miles. Houston is the seat of Harris County, and its metropolitan area is the fifth-most populated in the U.S. The city was named after former General Sam Houston, who was president of the Republic of Texas and had commanded and won at the Battle of San Jacinto 25 miles east of where the city was established. The burgeoning port and railroad industry, combined with oil discovery in 1901, has induced continual surges in the city's population. In the mid-twentieth century, Houston became the home of the Texas Medical Center—the world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions—and NASA's Johnson Space Center, where the Mission Control Center is located. Houston is multicultural, in part because of its many academic institutions and strong industries as well as being a major port city.

Houston is recognized worldwide for its energy industry particularly for oil and natural gas as well as for biomedical research and aeronautics. Renewable energy sources wind and solar are also growing economic bases in Houston. The ship channel is also a large part of Houston's economic base.

Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit, it's no wonder that Houston is a popular international destination. Of the 10 most populous U.S. cities, Houston has the most total area of parks and green space, The city also has over 200 additional green space totaling over 19,600 acres that are managed by the city including the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.