Squat Toilets

A squat toilet is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground.

The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet, which is the same height as a standard western toilet.

Squat toilets can be a shock to people who are used to a sit-down type toilet, and may be difficult to use for the unwary, especially if on trains or ships.

Many Britons, having encountered the devices in France and other countries, refer to them euphemistically as "stand and deliver" toilets, a reference to the phrase associated with highwaymen.

Squat toilets are not accessible to handicapped or disabled persons; to use squat toilets a person must have complete use and mobility of both their legs and arms, which would hinder many people with physical challenges.