Austin is the capital of the US state of Texas and is situated in Central Texas and part of the American Southwest. Austin is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 16th largest city in the United States of America. It has a population of 743,074 as of 2007 and is the third fastest-growing large city in the USA. It is situated on the Colorado River and has three man-made lakes within its city limits namely Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E Long.

Austin's history dates back to the 1830s when white pioneers settled on the banks of the Colorado River and named the village Waterloo. The city was renamed after Stephen F. Austin, who is considered to be the father of Texas. Throughout the 19th century, the city grew to become a center for government and education. The city was hit by the Great Depression, but resumed development afterwards. It is now known as one of the major cities of Texas and has emerged to become a center for technology and business.

Austin has now garnered many awards and titles namely the number 2 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live", the "Greenest City in America", number 2 city with the best people, America's number 1 College Town, and ranked the fifth-safest city to live in. Austin is also known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" owing to its many musicians and music venues.