What is the term for a settlement of poor people living in houses made from scrap materials?

The term "shanty town" specifically refers to a settlement where people, typically from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, construct makeshift housing using scrap materials and other available resources. Shanty towns often emerge in urban areas where rapid population growth and economic challenges push individuals to seek any form of shelter they can build, often leading to overcrowded living conditions with limited infrastructure or services.

While "slum" and "informal settlement" can also describe areas of poor living conditions, they encompass broader definitions. A slum indicates a neighborhood characterized by substandard housing and inadequate living conditions, but does not necessarily specify the materials used for construction. An informal settlement refers to any settlement not recognized by the authorities, which can include a variety of housing types, including those made from stronger materials. The term "ghetto" typically relates to areas predominantly inhabited by specific ethnic or racial groups, but does not focus specifically on the material conditions of the houses.

In the context of the question, "shanty town" most accurately captures the essence of a settlement where poor individuals reside in homes constructed from scrap materials.