The search giant says it is simply following a longstanding policy about geographical names. Its competitor Apple has yet to make the switch. The majority of Google Maps users across the globe today will notice a significant change on the platform if they zoom into the body of water south of the United States and east of Mexico.

Google Maps will soon rename the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America," a decision that has faced opposition from Mexican officials.

For users of Google Maps in the United States, the body of water enclosed to the east by Florida and the Yucatan peninsula is now the Gulf of America.