The river flows through Finnmark county, Norway and the Lapland region of Finland.

For 256 kilometers of its length, the Tana and its tributaries form a part of the border between Finland and Norway.

[2] According to written sources since the last half of the 16th century,[3] fishing has been a major livelihood for the Sami people in the river valley.

There are large deposits of sand in the delta that are exposed sandbars at low tide.

[5][6] In July 2024, media said that on Finland's side of the river, applications were[7] made to allow for young people to learn salmon fishing; however, individuals are not allowed to apply — applications must be made by an association or a "fishing area".

[9] Earlier (2022), authorities in Norway and in Finland [did] not permit salmon fishing (in the river).

The annual sea trout catch for that year on the river was 4,426 kilograms (9,758 lb).

In 2023, Norwegian authorities constructed a barrier with a trap that has sorted out hundreds[16] of humpback salmon (on some days), while allowing other fish to pass.