Does geography determine development?

Yes it does because natural resources play a crucial role in deciding the shape and size of development in a country. The western countries are highly developed mainly due to profusion of minerals, vegetation, natural fishing harbours etc. Plenty of oil inside the earth in the Middle East and South America is major factor in economic development of countries of these regions. Countries free from frequent visits of natural disasters are likely to be more developed than those who face the fury of disasters much time a year. Bangladesh and Philippines are a case in point. The countries that are always beset by monsoon, floods and landslides face tough hurdles in building infrastructure and carrying out development. Factors like proximity to high mountains, deserts and wild forests hamper pace of development to a great extent.