What are typical characteristics of informal settlements?

Informal settlements are often characterized by inadequate housing and services. These areas typically emerge due to rapid urbanization where people move to cities in search of better opportunities but cannot afford formal housing. As a result, they construct makeshift homes using available materials, which usually lack proper infrastructure.

Residents of informal settlements frequently face challenges such as limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and electricity. Public services such as waste collection and healthcare are often minimal or entirely absent. This situation leads to a lower quality of life and increased vulnerability to various social and environmental issues.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that are not typical of informal settlements. Affordable housing might seem relevant but is often associated with better living conditions and services, which informal settlements usually lack. Similarly, temporary structures do not come with full city services, and well-planned neighborhoods characterized by parks and amenities are not representative of informal living conditions. Thus, inadequate housing and services accurately portray the realities faced by inhabitants of informal settlements.