Garlemald
“The Garlean Empire controls the majority of the Three Great Continents, the enormous landmass that encompasses Eorzea. Until some fifty years ago, Garlemald was a remote and sparsely populated nation which held little more than a fraction of the northern continent of Ilsabard. But with the arrival of a technological golden age and the concurrent emergence of a brilliant young legatus -- now the reigning emperor -- in the span of a single generation Garlemald established itself as one of the most formidable forces in all of Hydaelyn.
— The Lodestone
Garlemald, also known as the Garlean Empire, is a nation located to the northeast of Eorzea. Specializing in magitek machinery, powered by a refined form of aether known as ceruleum, Garlemald is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced nations. However, this technological golden age fed Garlemald's hunger for conquest, and the once-sparsely populated nation became the empire it is known as today. The Empire is known for ruling with an iron fist, suppressing all -- the "savages" of conquered lands most of all -- who fall under its rule.
The Empire began its advance on Eorzea in the year 1556 of the Sixth Astral Era, invading and successfully conquering the nation of Ala Mhigo. After a pause to its aggressive expansion, this wave of Garlean might began again in the year 1572, this time aiming to claim the rest of Eorzea's lands.
In Final Fantasy XIV, the Garlean Empire serves as the major antagonist in the Warrior of Light's story.