Countries aren’t born everyday but on July 9th 2011 South Sudan became a full-fledged country when it separated from Sudan. After over 50 years of violent political strife, internal displacement, and civil war within The Republic of Sudan, the creation of this new country is quite a significant milestone for the people living there today, and for the region.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudan
What do you get when you become a new country? Well, South Sudan became the newest member of the United Nations, and has been recognized as a legal state by the media, world leaders, the international community AND most significantly by the country they separated from…
BUT there is one place where South Sudan does not yet exist and that is Google Maps. For some reason, it can’t be searched and hasn’t been added by the friendly folks at Google. A bit odd, right? Below is what you will currently find on Google Maps:
This is a petition to request that Google draw up the border for South Sudan ASAP! We’re not asking for an overhaul of Google Maps, and we know that the team at Google are busy mapping buildings into 3D, and making car piloting systems that drives themselves…you know, cool stuff/gizmos…but, please keep to your mantra: “don’t be evil”. Google, fix this!
So, if you support internationally recognized boundaries please ‘like’ this petition.
HERE is a rough draft of the South Sudan and Republic of Sudan border: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
204750531468625008825.0004ac05d207c29d1fde5
Why Recognize South Sudan on Google Maps?
Sure, it may seem like a minor issue compared to more pressing concerns for the citizens of South Sudan but getting this new country on Google Maps would:
1. Reinforce the human dignity of the South Sudanese people, in order to draw attention internationally to their aspirations as a people;
2. Help Google avoid appearing like a Western-centric company because, after all, their intention is to continue to be a leader in search engines, and global knowledge exchange;
3. Help students, teachers, and academics around the world locate a country in Africa that, by all accounts…ALREADY EXISTS!
In addition:
4. How would you like it if your country wasn’t recognized in Google Maps? That would suck, probably.
5. George Clooney is working to help the South Sudanese. He would support this cause, so why not help raise awareness about South Sudan as well!
1) Like this Petition note, share, invite, and repost it.
2) Spread the word – invite your friends to join this Petition!
How the map should look: