Austin is in Travis County. The Austin-San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. Located in the Central Texas Hill Country, Austin is approximately 230 miles from Mexico and less than 200 miles from 3 of the 10 largest U.S. cities (192 miles from Dallas to its north, 79 miles from San Antonio to its south, and 162 miles from Houston to its southeast).

Occupying a land area of 271.8 square miles, Austin had a 2000 census population of 656, 562. The current population of Austin, as of April 1, 2002, is 680, 899 - 52.9 percent white, 30.5 percent Hispanic, 9.8 percent African American and 4.7 percent Asian and 2.1 percent other. (1, 306, 627 in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area). Austin averages 300 days of sunshine each year and about 33.78 inches of rainfall. It rarely snows in Austin.

Austin has a never ending array of things to see and do. There is an outstanding collection of world-class museums, arts, amusement parks, recreational activities, fine dining, and outstanding night clubs all in one place. Austin is also the home of country music in Texas, the city where Willie Nelson and Doug Sahm got their start. There is a thriving music scene in the city, with almost every style of contemporary music available. Whether you are here on vacation with the family, a romantic getaway or just have some extra time while visiting on business you will surely find something to please.