RANA

geographic region, Nordland fylke (county), northern Norway, surrounding the Rana channel and the Nordrana Fjord. It is centred on the industrial town of Mo (Mo i Rana) at the mouth of the Rana River, along which run the only road and rail line from southern to northern Norway. Rana 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. Pop. (1989 est.) mun., 24,807.