Physical geography impacts where people live and how countries trade. Siberia has permanently frozen soil from its cold climate, making farming impossible and slowing economic growth. Russia is not located near major sea lanes, hindering trade since shipping is difficult. Mountains like the Pyrenees and Alps act as barriers to trade between countries, and countries tend to trade most with their neighbors due to proximity. Climate influences where populations concentrate - most Russians live west of the Ural Mountains to escape Siberia's cold.