Which of the following best describes a community characterized by high levels of poverty and inadequate housing?

A community characterized by high levels of poverty and inadequate housing is best described as a favela. Favelas are informal settlements found primarily in Brazil, often located on the outskirts of major cities. These areas typically arise from rapid urbanization and are marked by makeshift housing, lack of basic services, and high levels of social inequality.

Favelas represent the unique characteristics of marginalized communities where residents often face numerous challenges related to access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. These settlements usually develop on hillsides or in other areas that are unsuitable for formal urban development, leading to the distinctive architecture and community layout commonly associated with favelas.

While ghettos might also imply poverty and inadequate conditions, they often suggest a confinement of a specific ethnic group within urban areas, which may not capture the broader context of informal settlements like favelas. Suburbs typically refer to residential areas situated on the outskirts of a city, often characterized by higher living standards compared to favelas. Urban areas encompass a wide range of communities, including affluent districts, which do not necessarily correlate with high poverty levels. This understanding helps clarify why favela is the most fitting term in this context.