I think it all depends on the government of the country, on the general ideology. Let's look at Norway. Stable stable growth. Or Nepal - stably bad. Well, Norway has oil. But Russia also has oil. In which country is the economic situation better?
Apart from what countries have, it also depends on those who controls those resources or means of production. That is the leadership of the country or the decision takers. If the people's hands are corrupt, they may still not do fine despite the huge resources the country has.
I must agree. The people and the government should work hand in hand so that the economy of such country will prosper. Big factor of which is also the leadership of the officials in the government. If they are capable with their different posistions, they will be able to produce more projects for the economy which will be totally benefited also by the citizens living in it. More projects means more benefits for the people.