National Geographic's Communications department sent me the following message today:

Hi Sean,

You recently reported in your Sept. 23 Gadling story that that National Geographic has not yet added South Sudan to its maps, which is incorrect.

National Geographic closely monitors important global changes such as the creation of South Sudan and reacts in a timely manner.

National Geographic’s cartographic policy is one of portraying the world from a de facto point of view. That is, to portray to the best of our judgment the current reality. National Geographic strives to be apolitical, to consult multiple authoritative sources, and to make independent decisions based on extensive research.

National Geographic's map policy on South Sudan was amended on July 11, 2011. South Sudan has since been added to our print maps and mobile apps such as the World Atlas. On our printed maps, South Sudan is represented in a yellow color fill, denoting it as a sovereign state. Juba, the nation's capital, is designated with a national capital symbol.

It is important to note that National Geographic web sites feature dynamic mapping platforms, including Microsoft Bing Maps and Google Earth. National Geographic content is occasionally juxtaposed with content from these platforms. While National Geographic has a relationship with these data providers we do not currently have editorial influence on how cartographic content is displayed. Therefore, we have made it a point to have all such dynamic maps carry the following qualifier: "The boundaries and place names shown do not necessarily reflect the cartographic policy of the National Geographic Society."

Please let me know if you have any questions. The BBC story you referenced is also working to correct the story right now.

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