# **Google Maps Changes the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in the U.S.**
Google Maps has officially rebranded the **Gulf of Mexico** as the **Gulf of America**—at least for users located in the United States. This shift comes in response to a recent ruling by the **U.S. Department of the Interior**, which has formally amended the name in the **U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)**. However, this name alteration is not applicable everywhere, and users in various locations will encounter different appellations.
## **Key Information**
– **Google Maps has modified the name of the Gulf of Mexico following authoritative U.S. government directives.**
– **Users in the U.S. will now observe “Gulf of America,” while users in Mexico will still recognize “Gulf of Mexico.”**
– **Users in other areas will see both names presented.**
– **The name shown is influenced by the user’s device settings, which include SIM card and operating system region.**
## **Reason for Google’s Name Change**
Google has maintained a practice of refreshing geographical names according to official government references. In this instance, the **U.S. Department of the Interior** enacted **Order 3423**, which officially designated the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in U.S. governmental documentation. This change was initially proposed under an **executive order by former President Donald Trump**, but its implementation was contingent upon the formal government update.
## **How the Name Varies by Location**
Depending on the user’s location while accessing Google Maps, the name for the body of water will differ:
– **United States:** “Gulf of America”
– **Mexico:** “Gulf of Mexico”
– **Other regions:** Both names will be visible
Google Maps identifies the name that appears based on the user’s **phone configurations, SIM card carrier, and device regional settings**. Consequently, users cannot manually alter the name displayed unless they modify their device’s regional configurations—something that may not be straightforward.
## **Potential for Other Mapping Services to Follow Suit**
Google Maps is not the sole mapping platform contemplating this modification. **Apple Maps** has also revealed intentions to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for its U.S. user base. Other widely used navigation services, like **Bing Maps and MapQuest**, have yet to declare if they will embrace the new name.
## **Public Response and Controversy**
The decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico has ignited discussions. Some support the change as a demonstration of U.S. sovereignty over its maritime borders, whereas others view it as unnecessary or driven by political motivations. Given that the name change is rooted in official U.S. government documentation, it seems improbable that Google will retract its decision.
## **Final Thoughts**
The alteration of the **Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America** on Google Maps marks a notable change that echoes official U.S. governmental resolutions. While the update is already operational for users in the U.S., those in Mexico and other areas will continue to observe different names. As other mapping platforms ponder similar revisions, this decision may have enduring ramifications for how geographical names are represented in digital maps across the globe.
Would you prefer to see “Gulf of America” or “Gulf of Mexico” on your maps? Share your opinions with us! 🚢🌎
