A natural resource is something that is found in nature and can be used by people. Earth’s natural resources include light, air, water, plants, animals, soil, stone, minerals, and fossil fuels. People need some natural resources to stay alive. They use others to make their lives better.
Every place on Earth has its own unique group of natural resources. Some countries have lots of oil or diamonds. Others have rich soil and thick forests but few minerals. The wealthiest countries are usually the ones with the greatest amount or variety of natural resources. They are wealthy because they can sell their resources to other countries that need them.
