Types of squat toilets

The squat toilets (known as alaturka (alla turca) in Turkey, in contrast to alafranga (alla franca) (flush toilet) where the user puts his or her feet on foot rests; the user faces the entrance to the cubicle; it is prevalent in Turkey where flush toilets are now getting more in use for household and can still be found in some public buildings and at motorway services in France, Italy, Balkans and, more often, in the former USSR.

In India such a toilet is widely used and is referred to as the Indian water closet or the Jodhpur Pan in contrast with the European water closet or EWC or the Western style of toilet. It is also used in the Middle Eastand can be found in rural areas of Greece and Italy. It is also very common in Iran and prevalent throughout most of South East Asia.

The Japanese toilet is shaped differently, and the user faces the flush apparatus.

The Thai toilet is a form of squat toilet with a spiral-shaped bowl. Squat toilets can be a shock to people used to sit-down toilets, 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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet