A squalid urban area is a SLUM, which is an area of a city characterized by poverty, overcrowding, and substandard living conditions. Slums are often associated with crime, unemployment, and poor health. They are usually located in the inner city and are inhabited by people who lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Slums are also known for their lack of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and public transportation.