The Mapping Specialist

Vol X, No. 2 - Summer 2002

Contents | In Focus | Mapmaking | Geonews | Profile | Employee

GEONEWS
Names on the Land

Geopolitical changes have been minimal in the past few years.  Given the instability in the Middle East and South Asia subcontinent this may be surprising.  However, in the first half of 2002 there were a few new names and formal independence to one country.

East Timor--officially gained independence on May 20, 2002.  The capital is Dili.  The official name is Democratic Republic of East Timor.

Canada--the Province of Newfoundland name change to Newfoundland and Labrador was recognized by the US Board of Geographic Names (BGN).

Indonesia--Papua became the official name of the western portion of the island of New Guinea.  The province was formerly known as Irian Jaya.

Bahrain--this nation's long-form name has been changed to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

BGN place-name files can be found on the web at http://www.nima.mil/.  Previous editions of the Foreign Names Information Bulletin can also be accessed at the site.

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