Southeast Asia's resources have greatly influenced where people live. The abundant natural resources and fertile lands have drawn people to settle in areas conducive to agriculture, such as river valleys and deltas. Coastal regions with rich marine resources were also desirable areas for settlement. The availability of minerals and other natural resources also played a role in settlement patterns, with areas rich in these resources attracting settlements and trade. As a result, many of the major cities and population centers in Southeast Asia, such as Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok, are located in areas with rich natural resources. In contrast, areas with limited resources such as mountainous regions have historically been less populated.
