[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!
- Famous German folk song | That Japanese tune was actually a German folk song?!
- [Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
- Russian songs used on TikTok
- Masterpieces of contemporary (art) music. Recommended popular pieces.
- [Soccer Western Music] Theme Songs and Anthems That Fired Up the World Cup
- Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Modern graduation songs: Reiwa-era staples and new tracks you should know
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- Songs about soccer | Western music edition
- 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 (11–20)
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.
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.
A PortuguesaSakushi: Henrique Lopes de Mendonça / Sakkyoku: Alfredo Cristiano Keil
The Portuguese national anthem “A Portuguesa,” rendered in Japanese as “Portugaru-jin yo,” was composed in 1890 amid popular protests in Portugal against Britain.
After the Republican Revolution of 1910, it was adopted in 1911 as the anthem of the newly founded Portuguese Republic.
Its lyrics and melody are striking for their momentum and vigor, and, according to one theory, the melody is said to have been influenced by the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” Now that you mention it, one could say they share a similarly piercing brightness.
Schweizerpsalmsakushi: Leonhard Widmer / sakkyoku: Alberich Zwyssig
Known as the Swiss national anthem, the “Schweizerpsalm” is a musical work composed in 1841 by Leonhard Widmer and Alberich Zwyssig.
Its lyrics, which praise the grandeur of the Alpine nature and faith in God, are emblematic of Switzerland’s cultural identity.
It was adopted as a provisional national anthem in 1961 and officially recognized in 1981.
In Japanese, it is often known by the title “Suisu no Sanka” (Hymn of Switzerland).
Widely performed at patriotic ceremonies and international events, it is a recommended piece for those who wish to experience Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes and spiritual character.