 "Screengrab from Google Maps")
Google has officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ in its Maps application saying that it has always complied with the practice of adhering to official government names.
“As we announced two weeks ago and consistent with our longstanding practices, we’ve begun rolling out changes to reflect this update,” Google said.
On Google Maps, users in Mexico will still be able to see the Gulf of Mexico while users elsewhere worldwide will come across both names. The move comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the water body. The federal Board on Geographic Names formally changed the name on Monday.
“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,” Google added in a statement.
‘Gulf of America Day’
One of his first jobs after taking over the US Presidency was to order the rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico to add America’s name to it.
Trump insisted that the gulf’s name should celebrate the US instead of Mexico.
The United States, Mexico, and Cuba have long shared control over the Gulf, a vital hub for economic activities such as fishing, electricity generation, and shipping.
The president even went a step further and declared February 9’s Gulf of America Day. That’s the same day he signed the executive order initiating the renaming process.
Earlier this week, Trump flew over the Gulf of America saying, “Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming. As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America.”