HAME

in full Hmeen Lni, Swedish Tavastehus Ln, lni (province), southwestern Finland. It lies north of Helsinki and includes part of Lake Pijnne, which serves as much of its eastern boundary. The province produces lumber, rye, oats, barley, and potatoes; livestock and dairy cows are also important. It is the home of the Tavastians, or Tavastlanders (Hmliset), one of the original groups of Finnish people, and derives its name from the medieval castle of Hme, which lies near the administrative capital, Hmeenlinna. Tampere, in west-central Hme, developed as the province's major industrial centre during the early 19th century, a position that it has retained. Lahti, in extreme southeastern Hme, is a winter-sports centre. Area 7,423 square miles (19,226 square km). Pop. (1995 est.) 727,418.