Natural resources are all the things available in nature - such as air, water, fruits, etc. - that are freely available for our use. We, human beings, benefit immensely from their use. Developed countries consume these resources more than underdeveloped countries. The three major forms of natural resources available are - food, housing and mobility. The world economy consumes about 60 billion tonnes of natural resources every year. Those countries which have access to natural resources, especially fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, can keep progressing fast, while those, which have limited opportunities to use natural resources are doomed to backwardness. The economic and technological development of countries and the difference in their development depends upon the availability of natural resources. Even the early settlements of people were determined by their natural environment and availability of natural resources, such as water and fertile soil, which people used for their regular life and basic needs. In the course of time, the role of natural resources increased even more because they became essential for the economic development of nations and fast technological progress. The role of natural resources as the major driver of economic and technological development became even more evident in the 20th century. Historically, natural resources played the key part in the economic and technological development of countries and today they still play the crucial part in the development of nations because they determine the competitive position of nations in the global economy.
