[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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- Western pop/rock cheer songs recommended for sports days and athletic festivals. Cheer songs from around the world.
- [World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe
- Victory songs of Western music: world-famous classics and popular hits.
- Sports cheer songs in Western music: Recommended anthems and fight songs
Europe (1–10)
Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy FederatsiiSakushi: Sergey Mikhalkov / Sakkyoku: Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov
In Japan, the national anthem of the Russian Federation is referred to by the title “Our Fatherland for Us,” but it is said that in Russia it is not called by a title.
It was adopted as the national anthem in 2000 by President Vladimir Putin.
A major point is that it revives the melody of the Soviet Union’s national anthem and sets to it lyrics that praise modern Russia.
It is a national anthem created to emphasize the image of a strong Russia, conveying a solemn atmosphere and a sense of patriotism.
Wilhelmus van NassouweSakushi: Firippusu Fan Maruninkusu / Sakkyoku: Fumei
The Dutch national anthem, titled “Wilhelmus van Nassouwe,” portrays William I of Orange, the leader of the Dutch War of Independence that took place from 1568 to 1648.
It is said to have been based on a French soldiers’ song sung around 1569, and its melody is considered the oldest among the national anthems of the world.
Although the anthem has as many as 15 verses, only the 1st and 6th are sung today.
It expresses the strength of the Netherlands in escaping oppression to achieve independence, as well as the hope it holds for the future.
Shche ne vmerla UkrainaSakushi: Pavlo Chubynsky / Sakkyoku: Mykhaylo Verbytsky
Ukraine’s national anthem, “Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished,” was adopted as the national anthem in 1917 and reinstated in 1992 after independence from the Soviet Union.
The fact that it was revived also gives the sense that the anthem symbolizes continuity.
It conveys a strong sense of patriotism—pride in being Ukrainian and a wish for the happiness of the entire nation.
It is an anthem that carries a grand message, expressing the hope for a free country ruled by no one.
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.
