Google Maps now displays Golf of America instead of Golf of Mexico

In the USA, Google now displays the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." This follows an executive order by Donald Trump.

Three weeks ago, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

The order was signed shortly after he had taken office. Google adjusted the name accordingly in its map service. Users in the USA now see "Gulf of America" when viewing the body of water, while in other countries, both names are displayed.

The name has been in use since the 16th century

The change was announced by the internet company days ago. As a prerequisite, it was stated that the designation must first be changed in the U.S. Geographic Names Database. The database now includes the new name "Gulf of America." The name "Gulf of Mexico" has been in use since the 16th century, as the body of water borders Mexico and Cuba, as well as the U.S. states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. According to Trump’s order, the name change applies to the area up to the maritime borders of Cuba and Mexico.

Google Maps users outside the of the USA will first see "Gulf of Mexico," followed by "Gulf of America" in parentheses. This approach is consistent with how the map service handles cases where a country uses a different geographic designation.