[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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Europe (1–10)
Royal March (Marcha Real)Sakushi: genzai wa nashi / Sakkyoku: fumei
Spain’s Royal March is known as Europe’s oldest national anthem and as a national anthem without lyrics.
In 1770, King Charles III of Spain designated the piece as the official march of honor, and it began to be performed at official events and ceremonies.
Spain’s national anthem has, at times in the past, been sung with different lyrics depending on the era.
Although there are still efforts today to add official lyrics, the complex domestic situation—such as the Basque region spanning France and Spain and Spain’s autonomous community of Catalonia—has prevented this from being realized.
DeutschlandliedSakushi: August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben / Sakkyoku: Joseph Haydn
Set to the melody of “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser,” composed by the musician Franz Joseph Haydn for Franz II, “Deutschlandlied” features lyrics written by the scholar August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben.
Adopted as a national anthem symbolizing a liberal, unified Germany, only the third stanza is officially recognized today.
Its grand orchestral sound evokes national prosperity and a sense of future promise.
Take in its powerful message that wishes for the flourishing of the homeland.
Europe (11–20)
Mazurek DąbrowskiegoSakushi: Józef Rufin Wybicki / Sakkyoku: Fumei
The Polish national anthem, Mazurek Dąbrowskiego, is also known as Poland Is Not Yet Lost.
It was written in 1797 as a military song for Polish expatriate troops who had lost their homeland, and it became established as the national anthem after World War I.
At the time, Poland was cooperating with France in fighting Austria, and the lyrics even mention France’s leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.
The lyrics also include the names of neighboring countries, making it a national anthem that vividly reflects Poland’s history of invasions and struggles for independence.
Il Canto degli ItalianiSakushi: Goffredo Mameli / Sakkyoku: Michele Novaro
The national anthem of the Italian Republic, The Hymn of Mameli, was adopted as the national anthem in 1946 with the establishment of the Italian Republic.
Although it was designated as the anthem after the end of the Second World War, the piece itself was composed in the first half of the 19th century and conveys a sense of the movement toward Italian unification.
It depicts the brave figure of those who fought to unite Italy, a country that had repeatedly experienced division throughout its history.
It is a stirring anthem that conveys Italy’s long history and strong will.
TavisuplebaSakushi: David Magradze / Sakkyoku: Zacharia Paliashvili
Georgia’s national anthem, Tavisupleba, is a new anthem adopted in May 2004.
The lyrics were written by David Magradze, and the music was composed by the renowned Georgian composer Zakaria Paliashvili.
It was chosen to symbolize a fresh start for Georgia following the Rose Revolution.
Characterized by solemn choral passages and powerful orchestration, it sings of freedom and hope for the future.
The lyrics emphasize the sanctity of the homeland and the importance of freedom, expressing the Georgian people’s patriotism and desire for independence.
It is frequently performed on international occasions and is widely recognized as part of Georgia’s cultural heritage.
A PortuguesaSakushi: Henrique Lopes de Mendonça / Sakkyoku: Alfredo Cristiano Keil
The Portuguese national anthem “A Portuguesa,” translated in Japanese as “O Portuguese People,” was composed in 1890 amid protests by the Portuguese public against Britain.
After the Republican Revolution of 1910, it was adopted in 1911 as the anthem of the newly formed Portuguese Republic.
Its lyrics and melody, which convey vigor and strength, are striking, and according to one account, the melody is said to have been influenced by the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” Now that you mention it, one might say they share a similar piercing brightness.
De Brabançonnesakushi: Alexandre Dechet / sakkyoku: François van Campenhout
De Brabançonne, Belgium’s national anthem—also known in Japanese as “The Song of Brabant”—is a piece that emerged as a symbol of the Belgian Revolution of 1830.
Created by Alexandre Dechet and François van Campenhout, it carries a powerful message celebrating Belgium’s freedom and unity.
Although it was originally composed to boost revolutionary morale, it has since been revised to a more moderate text and is sung in the country’s three official languages: French, Dutch, and German.
Adopted as the official national anthem in 1860, it is performed at international events such as the Olympics and the World Cup, and stands as a source of pride for the Belgian people.