What reasons did nations have for living in, basing around, or ruling, inhospitalable areas?

by WanderingKing

Particularly Siberia comes to mind, the Nordic states to a point, basically what drove people far north or far south of the Mediterranean area?

Searocksandtrees

hi! not discouraging anyone from responding, but do check out this section of the FAQ*

Why did humans move to inhospitable regions?

*see the link on the sidebar or the wiki tab