Google has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in its Maps application, aligning with a U.S. government directive. This update follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump and a formal decision by the federal Board on Geographic Names.
Google’s Official Statement
Google confirmed the name change in a post on X, stating:
“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), provides official geographic names, which Google incorporates into its services. This update is part of a broader initiative to rename landmarks in accordance with national policies.
Additional Geographic Name Changes
As part of the same executive order, another notable change will see Alaska’s Mount Denali renamed back to Mount McKinley. Google has assured that this update will be applied once the official naming system reflects the change.
Regional and International Variations
Google clarified that while the name change will be visible within the United States, international users may still see both names depending on regional naming conventions. The company explained:
“When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too.”
This approach mirrors other geopolitical naming disputes, such as the “Sea of Japan,” which appears as the “Sea of Japan (East Sea)” in certain regions.
Historical Precedents and Political Context
According to the Associated Press, discussions about renaming the Gulf of Mexico are not new. In 2012, a Mississippi legislator proposed renaming the portion of the gulf along the state’s coastline as the “Gulf of America,” though the bill was never passed.
In 2010, comedian Stephen Colbert humorously suggested renaming the gulf after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, quipping, “We broke it, we bought it.”
Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico aligns with his broader stance on U.S.-Mexico relations, which have been marked by disputes over border security and trade policies. The Gulf of Mexico, sometimes called America’s “Third Coast” due to its extensive U.S. shoreline, remains a vital body of water for both the U.S. and Mexico.
Conclusion
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” is a significant geopolitical move that reflects broader national policies. While the change is officially recognized within the United States, international users may still see both names depending on their location.
Image Source: Google
