According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Laredo is the second fastest growing city in the U.S., second only to Las Vegas, and has been since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1995. Known as the ‘Gateway City’ – the largest, most efficient port of entry on the U.S./Mexico border – Laredo currently is home to 220,000 citizens and expects to keep growing faster than the national average for years to come. Nuevo Laredo, a short walk across the boarder boasts 700,000 citizens, with 17.6 million vehicles crossing the border in 2000. Additionally, thousands of tourists visit Laredo each year to shop across the border in Nuevo Laredo, to participate in festivals and enjoy “Los Dos Laredos”. The Laredo Entertainment Center is positioned for success. In fact, there is not a competing facility in a 2 hour radius, which is why its market area includes all of South Texas and Northern Mexico totaling 6,500,000 inhabitants. Some of its surrounding cities include: Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey, Mexico; McAllen, Eagle Pass, and Corpus Christi, Texas. Where in the World is Laredo?? From: McAllen -- 119 miles Corpus Christi -- 135 miles San Antonio -- 145 miles Brownsville -- 166 miles Austin -- 218 miles Houston -- 293 miles Dallas -- 397 miles El Paso -- 513 miles www.cityoflaredo.com