Canary Islands

• 27 Dec 2024

Source: BS 

The Atlantic migration route, particularly from Africa to Spain's Canary Islands, which has become a gateway to Europe, has emerged as one of the deadliest migration paths in the world. In 2024, over 10,000 migrants lost their lives attempting this journey. 

• The route is fraught with dangers, including strong ocean currents, overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, and adverse weather conditions. These factors contribute to the high fatality rate. 
• The Canary Islands, an autonomous Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, are located about 62 miles west of Morocco (Africa), and are one of the European Union's outermost regions. 
  • The main Canary Islands are Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. 
  • The Islands have a subtropical climate with warm temperatures and mild seasonal variation.  
• The Canary Current is a cold ocean current flowing southwest along Africa's northwest coast, named after the Canary Islands. Its presence contributes to the rainless conditions in the Sahara Desert's coastal region. 

Read more: La Palma Island: Spain