What does it mean to examine the more complex effect on geography on general market characteristics, distribution systems and the state of the economy?
The climate affects marketing decisions in many ways, not only product adaptation. Of course altitude, humidity and temperature makes for a larger product adaptation demand. Natural barriers create trading centers, often cities located closely to the ocean, making the distance less important than the actual barriers. Bad road conditions can prolong trips, as well as natural barriers such as mountains if there is no tunnel available.
Looking at the world today, rich countries are continuing on doing well, minimizing risks and overcoming barriers, while many emerging countries could do a lot better. Unfortunately, many of them are at the mercy of nature, and lack capital to overcome natural disasters such as cyclones and heavy rainfall.