Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth most populous city in the United States. It’s situated in the southeastern part of Texas near the Gulf of Mexico. Houston is one of the youngest, yet fastest-growing cities in the U.S. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural center in the south. Since its foundation in 1836, Houston has grown steadily, influencing other cities with its unique combination of Southern tradition and modern charm. It is famous for its Space Center, diverse food scene, renowned medical center, and vibrant arts district.

The United States conducts a census every ten years, with the last one conducted in 2020. According to the 2010 census, Houston had a population of 2,100,263. Houston is considered to be one of the most diverse cities in the U.S with a large and growing international community. According to the data collected during the 2010 census, 25.6% identified themselves as white alone, 43.8% as Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% as African American, and 6% as Asian. Houston is home to over 90 languages. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the world. It attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world.

Houston is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government. The City’s elected officials, serving concurrent four-year terms, are the mayor, the city controller and 16 members of City Council. The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the city. The Controller is the City's Chief Financial Officer. The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. The city of Houston has a strong mayoral system. The mayor’s office administers all city services, public property, police and fire protection, most public agencies, and enforces all city and state laws within the city of Houston.

Houston's economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. It is also leading in health care sectors and building oilfield equipment. The Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in international waterborne tonnage handled and second in total cargo tonnage handled. Houston has also become a hub for innovation and building businesses. The Houston metropolitan area comprises the largest concentration of petrochemical manufacturing in the world.

The infrastructure in Houston is designed to accommodate its large population and to support its strong economy. The city's road, rail, and air transport networks are extensive and well maintained. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) provides public transportation in the form of buses, light rail, and lift vans. Houston has three airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport which support both domestic and international flights. Houston's extensive freeway system handles over 40 million miles of vehicle travel daily.