Fondly known as the Bayou City, once nicknamed Space City, and widely recognised as the energy capital of the world, Houston was founded in 1836 (by brothers Augustus and John Allen) on the banks of Buffalo Bayou (a creek). This southeast Texan city is named after General Sam Houston, of the Texas Army that won independence from Mexico.

Within a year of its foundation, Houston became the capital of the Republic of Texas until 1840, when that honour was transferred to Austin. However, this Republic was rather short-lived as Texas joined the Union in 1845.

Despite its high-rise skyline, Houston has an open feel with several lakes and waterways (such as the Buffalo Bayou) winding their way through the city, surrounded by lush green landscape.

The city has been a dynamic centre of business, particularly in oil, since 'black gold' was discovered at nearby Beaumont in 1901. It is also the leader in space technology - Houston is home to NASA and the Johnson Space Center, the base for Mission Control and the place where astronauts are trained. It was established in 1961, as NASA's primary site for the design, development and testing of spacecraft for human flight.

The port area, which is linked to the city by the Houston Ship Channel, an 80km (50-mile) inland waterway, is thriving and has developed into an important business district for the city.  

The city is now the fourth largest in America, covering an area of 1600 sq km (618 sq miles).

In recent years, Houston's Downtown has undergone a dramatic transformation into a dynamic area of the city. It's now both an entertainment and residential district, and many buildings have been converted into loft apartments that sell at a premium.

The area is a magnet for people who wish to have dinner, see a movie or a show and walk along the historic waterfront in Sesquicentennial Park and on the Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade. Bayou Place, an entertainment complex in the Downtown Theater District, has been a great addition to the area, providing restaurants, live music and a multiplex cinema.

Houston has a temperate climate all year round, although the humidity in the height of summer can make the city feel warmer than the actual temperature. Such a climate means lush green gardens, fragrant flowers and towering trees.