The Thrane appear to inhabit a smaller kingdom from the same continent that is home to the Merenae.
From what the Rokugani have been able to glean, it appears the Thrane are broadly similar in culture to the Merenae, but live in a more northerly region with longer winters, shorter summers, and frequent rainfall. Some stories suggest the Thrane actually inhabit a large island, while others claim they live on a peninsula. Regardless, their differing conditions cause them to exhibit paler skin and lighter hair colors than the Merenae (light brown, yellow, and even red hair are commonplace), and to favor heavier clothing made from wool or thick leather. Due to the rainy conditions in their land, and their preference for sailing, they also like to cover their feet with heavy boots made from waterproof animal skins.
Although Thrane society does seem to be broadly similar to the Merenae, there are hints the Thrane monarch has considerably less power than the Merenae king, and Thrane culture appears to be generally much looser and less status-conscious than among their southern rivals. The Thrane do have nobles, but the social distinction between their ruling class and ordinary commoners is much narrower than in most societies, and it is evidently very easy for wealthy and successful commoners to gain entry to the noble class. Indeed, the Thrane clearly esteem wealth very highly, even more so than the Merenae—which to the Rokugani is simply more proof of their barbarity.
Their operations in Rokugan are conducted almost exclusively through the Thrane Rokugan Company.