Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The Darien Gap, a dense jungle spanning northern Colombia and southern Panama, has become a perilous route for migrants seeking asylum in the US.
What is Darien Gap?
The Darién Gap is a rugged region in the Isthmus of Darién, connecting Central and South America. It comprises dense forests and mountains in Panama’s Darién Province and Colombia’s Chocó Department. Home to indigenous communities, the terrain varies from flat marshlands to mountainous rainforests. With no roads crossing it, travel is challenging and often conducted by boat or on foot. Despite the dangers, increasing violence and limited legal immigration options in their home countries have driven a surge in crossings, primarily by Venezuelans but also by Haitians, Chinese, Afghans, and others.
