Google Maps Officially Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

By medihertz01@gmail.com Feb 10, 20250

Google Maps Officially Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

In a significant update, Google Maps has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This change comes in response to an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump and the subsequent approval by the federal Board on Geographic Names.

Why the Change?

Google has a long-standing policy of adhering to official government names for geographical locations. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the company explained:

“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), managed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), is the primary source for the names used in Google Maps. The GNIS recently updated its database to reflect the new name, prompting Google to implement the change.

What Does This Mean for Users?

In the United States: Users will see the body of water labeled as the Gulf of America.
Outside the U.S.: Users will see both the new name and the name commonly used in their region. For example, in Mexico, it may still appear as the Gulf of Mexico.

This practice is not new. Google has previously handled similar disputes, such as the Sea of Japan/East Sea naming controversy between Japan and South Korea. In such cases, the app displays both names to respect regional preferences.

Other Name Changes

The Gulf of Mexico is not the only geographical feature undergoing a name change. Mount Denali in Alaska, which was officially renamed Mount McKinley under a separate executive order, will also be updated on Google Maps once the GNIS reflects the change.

Reactions and Implications

The renaming has sparked mixed reactions. While some view it as a reflection of national identity, others see it as a politically charged move. Critics argue that such changes could lead to confusion and diplomatic tensions, especially with neighboring countries like Mexico.

How to See the Change

To view the updated name, simply open Google Maps and search for the Gulf of America. The change is expected to roll out globally in the coming days.

Important Sources

This rewrite avoids duplication while maintaining the key details and context of the original article. It also includes authoritative sources for further reading.

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