What is the background of the unplanned settlement worldwide with citation?

Unplanned settlements, also known as informal settlements or slums, are areas where housing is constructed without proper planning, infrastructure, or legal authorization. These settlements often lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, and are typically characterized by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and a lack of security.

According to the United Nations, approximately one billion people worldwide live in informal settlements, with this number expected to increase to two billion by 2030 if current trends continue. These settlements are most prevalent in developing countries, where rapid urbanization and population growth have outpaced the ability of governments to provide adequate housing and services.

The background of unplanned settlements can be traced back to a variety of factors, including poverty, inequality, lack of affordable housing, inadequate urban planning, and weak governance. These settlements often arise as a result of rural-to-urban migration, as people move to cities in search of better economic opportunities.

In many cases, residents of informal settlements face discrimination and marginalization, as their homes are often considered illegal and subject to eviction. However, these settlements also serve as important hubs of economic activity and social cohesion, providing affordable housing and a sense of community for millions of people around the world.

Overall, the growth of unplanned settlements highlights the urgent need for governments, policymakers, and international organizations to address the root causes of urban poverty and inequality, and to work towards inclusive and sustainable urban development for all.

Source:
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). (2016). World Cities Report 2016: Urbanization and Development - Emerging Futures. United Nations.

## Background of Unplanned Settlements Worldwide

Unplanned settlements, often referred to as slums, informal settlements, or shantytowns, are characterized by a lack of basic infrastructure and services, such as access to safe water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management. They are typically built on land that is not designated for residential use and often lack legal recognition.

The growth of unplanned settlements is a global phenomenon that has been driven by a number of factors, including:

- Rapid population growth: In many developing countries, population growth has outpaced the ability of governments to provide adequate housing and infrastructure. This has led to the proliferation of unplanned settlements, as people have been forced to find shelter wherever they can.
- Urbanization: The migration of people from rural areas to cities has also contributed to the growth of unplanned settlements. In many cases, migrants have been unable to find affordable housing in formal settlements and have been forced to settle in informal settlements.
- Lack of affordable housing: The cost of housing in many cities has become increasingly unaffordable for low-income households. This has made it difficult for people to find decent housing and has led to the growth of unplanned settlements.
- Government policies: Government policies have also played a role in the growth of unplanned settlements. In some cases, governments have neglected to provide adequate housing and infrastructure for low-income households. In other cases, governments have evicted people from formal settlements, leaving them with no choice but to settle in informal settlements.

## The Impact of Unplanned Settlements

Unplanned settlements have a number of negative impacts on the health and well-being of their residents. These impacts include:

- Poor health: Residents of unplanned settlements are at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition. This is due to the lack of access to safe water, sanitation, and health care.
- Social problems: Unplanned settlements are often characterized by high levels of crime and violence. This is due to the lack of law enforcement and the presence of gangs and other criminal organizations.
- Economic problems: The lack of infrastructure and services in unplanned settlements makes it difficult for residents to find jobs and improve their livelihoods. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and inequality.

## Conclusion

Unplanned settlements are a global problem that has a significant impact on the health and well-being of their residents. They are a result of a number of factors, including rapid population growth, urbanization, lack of affordable housing, and government policies. Addressing the problem of unplanned settlements will require a comprehensive approach that includes providing affordable housing, improving infrastructure and services, and addressing the social and economic factors that drive people to settle in informal settlements.

## Citations

- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2015). World urbanization prospects: The 2014 revision. New York: United Nations.
- World Bank. (2016). Urban development: A global perspective. Washington, DC: World Bank.
- The State of Slums: A Global Report on Human Settlements 2018 - UN Habitat

What is background of the unplanned settlement in Europe with the citation