1. Extra Notes: Where People Live and how they trade
Physical location impacts climate
Siberia (northern Russia) is so cold the soil is permanently frozen (permafrost) which makes farming impossible and keeps the economy from growing
Russia is not favorably located near major sea lanes, so it’s harder to trade since shipping is more difficult

2. Extra Notes: Where People Live and how they trade
Because of climate, frozen soil, and poor terrain, Russia’s natural resources are hard to access.
Russia’s frozen rivers and lack of natural resources hinder its ability to trade.
Because it is so cold in northern Russia, most people live west of the Ural Mountains

3. Extra Notes: Where People Live and how they trade
Mountains can act as a physical trade barrier because they are hard to get around
The Pyrenees are a trade barrier to France and Spain.
The Alps are a trade barrier to Germany.
Countries tend to trade with their neighbors.

4. Extra Notes: Where People Live and how they trade
Although Europe is pretty far north, much of Europe has a mild climate due to the North Atlantic current bringing warm waters from the Gulf Stream.