in full  Hämeen Lääni,  Swedish  Tavastehus Län,  lääni (province), southwestern Finland. It lies north of Helsinki and includes part of Lake Päijänne, 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 (Hämäläiset), one of the original groups of Finnish people, and derives its name from the medieval castle of Häme, which lies near the administrative capital, Hämeenlinna. Tampere, in west-central Häme, developed as the province's major industrial centre during the early 19th century, a position that it has retained. Lahti, in extreme southeastern Häme, is a winter-sports centre. Area 7,423 square miles (19,226 square km). Pop. (1995 est.) 727,418.