Mountain range, northern Spain.
The mountains, which extend about 180 mi (300 km), are geologically of similar origin to the Pyrenees , though classified as a separate formation. They include many tall peaks, the highest being Torre de Cerredo (8,787 ft, or 2,678 m), and thus form a more formidable barrier than the Pyrenees. The region is economically important for its coal and iron.