A shanty town is a settlement of makeshift or informal houses, typically found in developing countries and characterized by substandard living conditions. These settlements are often located on the periphery of cities and are home to a large number of impoverished people who are unable to afford more formal housing. Shanty towns can be found in many parts of the world, and their residents often face challenges such as inadequate access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation, lack of electricity and other infrastructure, and a lack of legal recognition and security of tenure.
One example of a shanty town is Favela, which is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Favela is home to approximately 1.4 million people, many of whom live in extreme poverty and lack access to basic services. The houses in Favela are often constructed from materials such as cardboard, wood, and corrugated iron, and they often lack electricity and running water. Despite the difficult living conditions, many residents of Favela have formed strong communities and have developed their own systems for providing services and support to one another.
Another example of a shanty town is Kibera, which is located in Nairobi, Kenya. Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa and is home to an estimated one million people. The houses in Kibera are often constructed from materials such as mud, clay, and cardboard, and many residents lack access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation. Kibera is also known for its high levels of crime and violence, and residents often face challenges such as overcrowding, disease, and poor living conditions.
A third example of a shanty town is Dharavi, which is located in Mumbai, India. Dharavi is one of the largest slums in Asia and is home to an estimated one million people. The houses in Dharavi are often constructed from materials such as cardboard, plastic, and metal sheets, and many residents lack access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation. Despite the difficult living conditions, many residents of Dharavi have formed strong communities and have developed their own systems for providing services and support to one another.
In conclusion, shanty towns are settlements of makeshift or informal houses that are often found in developing countries and are characterized by substandard living conditions. Examples of shanty towns include Favela in Rio de Janeiro, Kibera in Nairobi, and Dharavi in Mumbai. These settlements are often home to a large number of impoverished people who face challenges such as inadequate access to basic services, lack of infrastructure, and a lack of legal recognition and security of tenure.