Poland:
historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain
and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain
Portugal:
Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations
along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar
Puerto Rico:
important location along the Mona Passage - a key
shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest
and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and
high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast
relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north
Qatar:
strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major
petroleum deposits
Romania:
controls most easily traversable land route between the
Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine
Russia:
largest country in the world in terms of area but
unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world;
despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and
climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture
Rwanda:
landlocked; predominantly rural population
Saint Helena:
harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere
else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles
and sooty terns
Saint Pierre and Miquelon:
vegetation scanty
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
the administration of the islands
of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines and Grenada