Record number of migrants reached the Canary Islands by sea in 2024

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

NPR reports that the Atlantic migration route connects West African nations with the Spanish Canary Islands.  The route saw a record level of traffic in 2024. At least 46,843 migrants arrived, surpassing the previous year’s record, representing a 17% increase, according to yearly figures released by Spain’s Interior Ministry. Migrants often travel over 1,000 miles to reach the islands. Some come from Africa to escape armed conflict, poverty or lack of opportunity.

KJ