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[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!

Asia (11–20)

India

Jana Gana ManaSakushi: Rabindranath Tagore / Sakkyoku: Rabindranath Tagore

You sometimes hear Indian music in movies or at Indian restaurants, right? India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” also has a somewhat familiar ring to it, making it relatively easy to take to compared to other countries’ anthems, don’t you think? “Jana Gana Mana” means something like “the will of the people,” and it was written and composed by the Indian thinker Rabindranath Tagore.

First presented at the National Congress session in 1911, the song was later officially adopted as the national anthem in 1950.

Saudi Arabia

As-Salam Al MalakiSakushi: Ibrahim Khafaji / Sakkyoku: Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb

Saudi Arabia’s National Anthem Lyrics and Japanese Translation – Anthem of Saudi Arabia (Japanese)
As-Salam Al MalakiSakushi: Ibrahim Khafaji / Sakkyoku: Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb

As-Salam Al Malaki was established as Saudi Arabia’s official national anthem in 1950.

When it was adopted in 1950, it had no lyrics.

King Abdulaziz, during a visit to Egypt, wanted a national anthem for his country and commissioned Egyptian composer Abdul-Rahman Al-Khaib to compose it; the piece was reportedly sent by King Farouk of Egypt.

Later, in 1984, poet Ibrahim Khafaji wrote lyrics that were adopted.

True to Islamic faith, the lyrics praise God.

Pakistan

Qaumī TarānahSakushi: Hafeez Jullundhri / Sakkyoku: Ahmad G. Chagla

National Anthem of Pakistan – Qaumī Tarānah – قومی ترانہ
Qaumī TarānahSakushi: Hafeez Jullundhri / Sakkyoku: Ahmad G. Chagla

Known as Pakistan’s national anthem, “Qaumī Tarānah” (Japanese title: “Blessed Be the Sacred Land”) is a masterpiece created by Urdu poet Hafeez Jalandhari and musician Ahmad G.

Chagla.

Officially adopted as the national anthem in August 1954, it is deeply cherished by the people as a song that symbolizes Pakistan’s pride and identity.

Spanning 80 seconds, its symphonic structure employs 21 instruments and 38 musical scales, brilliantly fusing Eastern and Western musical traditions.

The lyrics bless the land and people of Pakistan and extol faith, unity, and progress, filled with a message praying for the nation’s enduring glory and prosperity.

North America (1–10)

America

The Star-Spangled Bannersakushi: Francis Scott Key / sakkyoku: John Stafford Smith

US national anthem lyrics English Japanese – Anthem of USA (EN/Japan lyrics)
The Star-Spangled Bannersakushi: Francis Scott Key / sakkyoku: John Stafford Smith

Written in 1814 by lawyer Francis Scott Key, The Star-Spangled Banner is a song that depicts the social conditions of the time, inspired by the sight of the Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812.

It is one of the world’s most famous national anthems, so many of you may already know it.

Its grand choral work resonating over a classical sound leaves a lasting impression.

It is a national anthem that teaches us to hold on to hope no matter the circumstances.

Listen to it while sensing America’s strong will, declared under the theme of “freedom.”

Canada

O CanadaSakushi: Adolphe-Basile Routhier / Sakkyoku: Calixa Lavallée

Canada National Anthem “O Canada” Japanese Translation / National anthem of Canada
O CanadaSakushi: Adolphe-Basile Routhier / Sakkyoku: Calixa Lavallée

I’ve never been to Canada, but when I hear its national anthem—which feels grand and majestic—I can’t help thinking, “That’s so quintessentially Canadian!” Its title is O Canada.

The anthem was created in 1880 for the celebrations of what is now Quebec’s national holiday, with lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier and music by Quebec composer Calixa Lavallée.

At that time, Canada was under British rule and had a large French-speaking population, so the original lyrics were in French.

An English version of the lyrics followed in 1906, and on July 1, 1980—Canada Day—the song was officially adopted as the national anthem.