Bush Country is a term used to describe the rural areas of the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest. It is often associated with the political leanings of the Republican Party, and is sometimes referred to as 'Red States'. The term can also refer to the state of Texas, which is often seen as the heart of Bush Country. The OUTBACK, a region of Australia, is also sometimes referred to as Bush Country due to its sparsely populated, rural nature. The term 'Theus' is a portmanteau of 'Texas' and 'USA', and is sometimes used to refer to the state of Texas in particular.