Catherine Ellis

Latest Stories (4)

How migration altered the economy of this Colombian town

May 15, 2024
Necoclí, Colombia, is a key stop on the migratory route to the U.S. Traditionally dependent on tourism, its economy has shifted to serve migrants.
Migrants' tents line a beach in Necoclí, Colombia. It's a key staging post on their journey north to the U.S.
Catherine Ellis/BBC

Digital nomads are flocking to Colombia

Apr 16, 2024
Some remote workers, able to work anywhere, are opting to move to Medellín. It’s brought a welcome financial boost to some locals, but others say they’re being priced out.
The city of Medellín, seen at night. While some locals welcome the economic contributions from the influx of remote workers, others fear they're being priced out.
Catherine Ellis/BBC

Venezuela's 360% inflation fuels migration, poverty

Dec 6, 2023
While the economy is slowly improving, a quarter of Venezuela's population has left the country as high inflation and low wages persist.
A man counts cash to buy groceries in a Caracas supermarket. Prices are beyond the reach of many Venezuelans.
Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images

Has El Salvador’s bitcoin gamble paid off?

Nov 8, 2023
Two years after El Salvador approved bitcoin as legal tender, only 1% of remittances are in bitcoin and many people don’t use it.
Coffee shop owner Gabe Gutierrez said bitcoin accounts for 5% to 10% of his sales.
BBC