Why in the News?

The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama.

What is the Darien Gap?

• The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina.
• Due to its extreme terrain, harsh climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable.
• However, in recent years, it has become a major migration route, as thousands of people attempt to cross it in hopes of reaching North America.
• Geographical Features:
  • Location: Forms the border between Panama and Colombia.
  • Terrain: Consists of steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests, making travel extremely difficult.
  • Climate: Has a hot, humid, and rainy environment with limited access to food and water.

Geo-Political Significance:

• Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, with over 300,000 crossings in early 2024.
• ‘Donkey Route’: Many migrants, including Indians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Pakistanis, travel through Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico.
• Criminal Activity: The region is controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups, who demand money, rob migrants, or subject them to violence.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are increasing, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.

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