Located in the South/Southwestern regions of the U.S., Texas joined the Union in 1845 as the 28th state. Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S., both in size (behind Alaska) and population (behind California). Its capital is Austin, but the majority of its population is congregated in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metropolitan areas. Texas is home to many thriving industries, but it is perhaps best known for oil, cattle, and aeronautics. The name Texas comes from the Caddo native word meaning "friends" or "allies."