Economic and social development of Latin America has something to do with different geographical factors. These include the productivity of lands, health conditions, frequency and intensity of natural disasters, settlement patterns, makeup and spatial distribution of productive activities, colonial experiences. Latin America has considered geography as unchangeable, true it is, but still it does not imply that policies should overlook or better yet ignore this fact. Geographically speaking, the whole Latin America lies in different latitudes of the Earth. Thus, places in this region experiences different climate patterns and seasons. This leads us to our first geographical factor that affects their development, the productivity of land. Latin America is known for agricultural products such as vegetables, root crops, and meat. These yields are needs climate and soil conditions that will satisfy for their growth. Considering the climate and soil conditions in temperate and tropical zones of Latin America, it is highly possible that the productivity of their lands differs, as well. However, those in temperate zones yield more crops than those in the tropical. The difference is the result of inputs used by temperate zones farmers that used technological advancements such as fertilizers, tractors, seeds and labour force that increases the yields whether or not the climate and soil type suit the crop. This difference is brought about by the advances of those in the temperate areas because they have taken advantage of advancement in technology in regions near them that are similar to them geographically and ecologically. Tropical regions in Latin America experience poverty not only because of being behind the advancement of technology in the temperate that affects their productivity, but also because of diseases present in their areas. Speaking of health conditions, climate of course is a big factor that affects the presence of diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis and intestinal worms. This is because, their location lacks seasonal variations. It, of course, makes it difficult for control efforts to completely observe, analyze and conclude a solution that could decrease, if not eradicate, the rate of manifestations of these diseases. Indeed, even if treatments are available for those who are sick, they still cannot afford to pay. Just like a domino effect, shorter life expectancy comes out as a result. Although climate is a factor, lower welfare in the tropics is also a matter. In its history, Latin America has been through many natural disasters that marked large numbers of homelessness, injuries, fatalities, and economic destruction on record. These natural phenomenons, with varying intensities and frequencies, include earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Their location, again, explains their vulnerability to these disasters. The world has gone through many geological processes way back millions of years ago that had finally made the geography of our planet at present. Latin America’s territory happened to be at the top of four active tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of fire. This is the reason why they are prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions since this is where active volcanic activities takes place. Considering their overall vulnerability, the region’s location is not only reason. Socioeconomic factors aggravate the potential of these natural disasters to destroy the region’s physical and economic condition. These are: poor quality of housing, degradation of the environment, and the lack of risk and disaster prevention management. Settlement patterns also had affected the development of the region. Urbanization is the most obvious one. People tend to live in a single, large, “primal” city. Although this brought advantages to the people, there are outcomes that affect their development socially and economically. The role of geography in urban concentration is this; it implies a more heterogeneous divisions and population. Distinct geographical regions come closely with ethno linguistic divisions that raise the rate of migration in different parts of Latin America. Makeup and spatial distribution of productive activities is very important in terms of development. A region should not only situate its market in its own boundary. The access to the world market needs transportation by sea. And so, when a region needs to import their goods, it also has a cost that is actually a fraction of the final goods’ value. Even then, opening your economy to the world market would not only give higher profits but could also open more opportunities for the public to be employed in some of the world’s industrialized countries. Generally, geography sets limitations for the growth and development of a region. But there are policies set to overcome these limitations. For me, Latin America should prioritize the policy of investing in infrastructures because it would reduce in no access to isolated places in the region. Proper investment of infrastructures such as roads from cities that are economically stable to areas that are longing to welcome industries and economic activities for their own development is one way of showing that the limits set by the geography of the region is not a hindrance to their growth. The lack of access infrastructures results to poverty since isolated areas are not open for economic activities. However, the investment of these infrastructures needs ensuring of minimized destruction and the risk of natural disasters. New technology nowadays however ensures effective and efficient infrastructures. If these are properly invested, it would be easy for people to reach places that will also help them overcome what they were limited to do before. And the movement of people and goods will eventually result to economic growth and development.