The world's deadliest migration route isn't by land: it's through the Mediterranean Sea. People fleeing violence, repression, or poverty seek to enter the EU by making the treacherous journey across the 970,000-square-mile (2.5-million-square-kilometer) body of water that stretches from Morocco to Turkey. According to the UN, 2,452 migrants died there in 2024.
Not only are people risking their lives for a better future, but disembarking in Europe presents further hurdles. Politicians have pledged to crack down on what they call a migration crisis, especially those from far-right parties. Meanwhile, EU countries are grappling with how to balance stronger border enforcement with concerns over human rights and migrant safety.
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the dangerous migration routes to Europe.