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What in the World

Why is the Darién Gap so dangerous?

Jan 14, 2025
11:42

The Darién Gap is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world but thousands attempt the journey with hopes to reach the US. It’s a 96km stretch of rainforest across the Colombia-Panama border and it’s the only land bridge between South and Central America. According to official statistics over 50 people died crossing the region last year. But the treacherous conditions makes it difficult to know exactly how many people lost their lives trying to make the crossing.

The BBC’s Mimi Swaby has been following one young Venezuelan woman’s journey crossing the Darién gap. She tells us about the dangers and risk of death that migrants face along the way.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Emily Horler

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