How does the shape of a country affect its growth and development?

The shape of a country doesn't necessarily effect it's growth and development, but more of the placement and size effects this. If the country is near water, it is more likely to be successful, if it is in the middle of the desert, it is less likely to be prosperous. The resources there, such as oil, minerals, and food, also effect the prosperity of the country, they would either keep the goods for their people, or if they have excess,