About Houston: They say everything is big in Texas, that’s certainly sure of Houston. It is the epitome of the Lone Star State, with its sprawling cityscape, a district of superb museums, and an abundance of diverse cultures. With many accolades and nicknames - “Space City” among them, Houston is also at the forefront of space exploration, the energy capital of the world, and a place of wonder, innovation, and hospitality.Situated in Southeast Texas and about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is the seat of Harris County and the largest city in the United States by total area. In the city limit, there are 11 districts with the Downtown in the very center of the city and consisting of areas like the theater zone and one of two Chinatowns; Midtown District is the home of Little Saigon; Texas Medical Center District is the largest medical complex in the world. With around 2.4 million residents, Houston is also the most populous city in Texas and ranked 4th in population in the US. A culturally diverse city, it has a large and ever-growing international community.Houston was named after the first president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, in 1836. As the capital of the Texas Republic for only a few years, Houston grew slowly but surely into a regional trading port and a rail center. The discovery of oil triggered major expansion of the city and its economy in the 20th century, which led to the development of a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. Today, Houston is a notable global city with endearing nicknames like "Space City," "H-Town," and "the 713."Tourists attracted to Houston’s famous Space Center and a plethora of world-class museums will be delighted by the city’s many other visit-worthy sites. Enjoy an intimate evening in the oldest haunt in town - La Carafe tavern, get inspired by the colorful street murals, embrace cultural diversity in Chinatown and Little Saigon, and discover the quirky side of H-Town at the Beer Can House. For those who fancy a day trip or two outside the city, consider the lake town of Conroe, Blessington Farms, Brazos Bend State Park, Sam Houston National Forest, and Galveston.