What exactly is a shanty town?
A shanty town (or slum) is an overcrowded community of rough huts or poor quality houses which have 1 ........ or no access to basic services like clean water and electricity. Shanty towns are usually located on the outskirts of pities,- or on dangerous or worthless land that no one else wants. Since shanty towns are illegal, governments don't have to provide the people who live in them with medical care, education, or other basic services and rights.
Why do they develop?
Every day, approximately 180,000 people around the world move from the countryside into cities. Some move to escape poverty or conflict, others are simply attracted by the prospect of a better life. Unfortunately, in many parts of the developing world, governments have not 2 ......plans GeoFactfiie: Urbanisation in the Developing World to cope with the vast numbers of people arriving in their cities each year. In particular, they have failed to provide decent and affordable housing. As a result, many end 3 .........living in terrible conditions: shanty towns.
What is life like in a shanty town?
Unemployment and poverty levels are high in shanty towns. Malnutrition and child labour are common. Since shanty towns are overcrowded and usually without rubbish collections, clean water or sanitation facilities (in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, for example, 40,000 people share just 10 toilets , they are polluted, filthy environments where disease 4 ........quickly. Also, the high level of poverty often leads to organised crime and violence. However, these communities are full of life and residents have a 5 ......community spirit.
Is anything being done?
International agencies are working with governments of developing countries, and also residents themselves, to improve the situation. For example, charities sometimes offer residents loans so that they can set up businesses and 6 .........a decent living. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the authorities have now officially accepted their country's shanty towns as permanent and are providing them with electricity, water and other amenities. But slum dwellers aren't just waiting for others to solve their problems! In Thailand, slum communities have worked together to resolve arguments over land and in some 7 ...... have gained legal ownership.
1) Look at the picture. What is a shanty town? How can these words be related to it?
• overcrowded community • basic services
• illegal • medical care • unemployment
• poverty • malnutrition • child labour
• clean water • disease • crime
• legal ownership