A shanty town is a type of informal settlement found in many developing countries. It is characterized by inadequate housing and poor living conditions. The term 'shanty town' is often used interchangeably with the term 'SLUM, ' which is a four-letter word that can be used to describe the same type of settlement. Shanty towns are typically overcrowded, lack basic services such as running water and electricity, and are often located in hazardous areas.