Google Maps To Call Gulf Of Mexico As Gulf Of America - Here's Why

According to a report by Reuters, Google Maps will update the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in the U.S., following its official update in the U.S. Geographic Names System. However, in Mexico, it will still be called the Gulf of Mexico, while users in other countries will see both names.

"As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the Interior Department said in a statement last week.

Trump Administration’s Decision

As part of a series of executive actions hours after taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign pledge by ordering the name changes.

Additionally, Denali, North America’s highest peak, will be renamed Mount McKinley, reversing a previous change.

Google’s Naming Policy

Google Maps follows a locale-based labelling system, applying different names based on regional disputes. For example:

The Sea of Japan is labelled ‘Sea of Japan (East Sea)’ outside Japan and South Korea. The Persian Gulf appears as the ‘Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)’ in some regions after a 2012 dispute with Iran. 

"In 2012, Iran threatened to take legal action against Google over its decision to drop the term "Persian Gulf" from its Google Maps and leaving the waterway between Iran and the Arabian peninsula nameless. The body of water is now labeled "Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)" in other countries" reported reuters. 

Reactions and Political Commentary

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming North America as ‘Mexican America’, referencing an old map. Meanwhile, Google has not made any independent naming decisions and is following official updates from authorities.