Is our surroundings affecting our ability to concentrate the mind? I heard about some ascetics who were incapable of concentrating their minds. After changing their environment, the Jhanas were realized easier.
Natural surroundings such as forests or jungles or the like might be more conducieve to meditation practice due to their natural tranquility. In Asia a lot of temples are purposely build in such places due to e.g. the calming effect they have on the mind.
Natural surroundings also limit external reality and sense-inputs which is conducieve to introspection.

It might be more difficult (depending on the skill-level of the meditator) to cultivate Jhanas in a busy and hectic city environment or in a place that is torn apart by war and conflict.