Rana

Rana, geographic region, northern Norway, surrounding the Rana Fjord. It is centred on the industrial town of Mo i Rana at the mouth of the Rana River, along which run the only road and rail line from southern to northern Norway. In 1990 the National Library in Oslo established a branch at Mo i Rana. The region includes several mining areas, and farming and fishing are also significant economic activities. Nesna and Hemnesberget are the main fishing ports. The area is mountainous, with many rivers, lakes, and unusual cave formations.