A slum is a densely populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and inadequate infrastructure. These neighborhoods often lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, leading to poor living conditions. Slums typically arise due to rapid urbanization, where people migrate to cities in search of better opportunities but end up in overcrowded and impoverished areas. Residents of slums often face numerous challenges, including high unemployment rates, limited access to education, and health risks due to unsanitary conditions. Governments and organizations work to improve these areas through various initiatives, but progress can be slow and complex, often requiring significant investment and community involvement.