Canary Island

• Atlantic Route: The Atlantic migration route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has emerged as one of the most dangerous migration routes globally.
  • The majority of the 10,457 deaths occurred on this route, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by migrants.

About the Canary Islands

• The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located about 62 miles west of Morocco, are part of the European Union's outermost regions.
  • The main islands include Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro.
• Climate and oceanic conditions: The islands experience a subtropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and minimal seasonal variation.
  • The Canary Current, a cold ocean current flowing along Africa's northwest coast, contributes to the dry climate in the nearby Sahara Desert and the hazardous conditions at sea.
• Gateway to Europe: The Canary Islands have become a stepping stone for migrants seeking access to continental Europe. However, the journey is fraught with risks, including:
  • Strong ocean currents.
  • Overcrowded and poorly equipped boats.
  • Adverse weather conditions.
• Archipelago: Itrefers to a cluster or chain of islands located close together in a body of water, such as a sea, ocean, lake, or river. These islands commonly form due to volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, or sediment accumulation.

Q1: What is the Canary Current?

The Canary Current is a part of the clockwise ocean-current system in the North Atlantic Ocean. It flows southwest along Africa’s northwest coast, from the North Atlantic Current to Senegal, before merging with the Atlantic North Equatorial Current.

Source: BS