[How many do you know?] A compilation of national anthems of the world
Have you ever felt your heart swell while listening to national anthems at World Cup or Olympic opening ceremonies? Before soccer matches, it’s hard not to be captivated by the sight of players linking arms and singing together.
There are over 200 countries and regions in the world, each with a national anthem that reflects its own history and culture.
From those known for their valiant, stirring melodies to those noted for their beautiful, memorable tunes, the variety is truly remarkable.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of the world’s most famous and popular national anthems.
See how many familiar pieces you can find!
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Asia (11–20)
March of the VolunteersSakushi: Den Kan / Sakkyoku: Jō Ji
The March of the Volunteers, the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China, was officially designated as the national anthem when the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China was amended in 2004.
Composed in 1935 as the theme song for the film Children of Troubled Times, its valiant lyrics and powerful melody captured people’s hearts and came to symbolize the nation.
Despite periods when it faced the risk of disappearing due to national circumstances and instances of lyric changes, it gradually became established as the national anthem.
It is a stirring and courageous anthem that expresses patriotism and the determination to build a strong China.
İstiklâl MarşıSakushi: Mehmet Akif Ersoy / Sakkyoku: Zeki Üngör
The Independence March, the national anthem of the Republic of Turkey, was adopted in 1921 by the Grand National Assembly in Ankara.
Because it was established as the national anthem amid the movement to liberate the homeland during the Turkish Revolution, it evokes a brave image of advancing toward independence.
Although the piece strongly conjures scenes of battle, alongside its rousing, courageous atmosphere it also conveys a deep patriotism toward the homeland and a strong will and pride as a nation.
Indonesia RayaSakushi: Wage Soepratman / Sakkyoku: Wage Soepratman
Indonesia Raya is the national anthem of Indonesia.
In Japanese, the word “Raya” in the title carries meanings such as “great,” “grand,” or “magnificent.” The anthem was composed in 1928, a time when Indonesia was still under Dutch rule, and elements of the lyrics reflect that context.
It was primarily sung as a rallying song to encourage the movement toward national independence, and it was officially adopted as Indonesia’s national anthem after independence in 1949.
Patriotic SongSakushi: Fumei / Sakkyoku: An Ekutai
The national anthem of the Republic of Korea, Aegukga, was established as the national anthem in 1948 with the founding of the South Korean government.
It is said to have begun as a song expressing patriotism to the melody of the Scottish folk tune Auld Lang Syne, which is also familiar in Japan as the original tune of Hotaru no Hikari.
The officially adopted national anthem uses the same lyrics set to the melody of the finale of composer Ahn Eak-tai’s orchestral work Korean Fantasy.
It is a national anthem that conveys strong patriotism, singing of pride in the nation while evoking the grandeur of Korea’s natural landscape.
O’zbekiston Respublikasining MadhiyasiSakushi: Abdulla Oripov / Sakkyoku: Mutal Burhanov
This national anthem, which gives voice to the soul of Uzbekistan, was born in December 1992 as a symbol of the newly independent nation.
The powerful lyrics by poet Abdulla Oripov and the majestic melody by composer Mutal Burkhanov blend beautifully to express the pride and hopes of the people.
The work praises the country’s rich nature, cultural heritage, and love of freedom, and embodies a wish for Uzbekistan’s radiant future.
It is frequently performed at international ceremonies and sporting events, carrying the power to unite the hearts of the Uzbek people.
Highly recommended for those interested in Uzbekistan’s history and culture, or for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the nation through its anthem.