[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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South America (1–10)
Himno Nacional ArgentinoSakushi: Vicente López y Planes / Sakkyoku: Blas Parera
Argentina’s national anthem was established in 1813, in the midst of the movement for independence from Spain.
May 11, the date it was adopted, is designated as National Anthem Day.
Another notable feature is that a full performance can exceed five minutes, so a shortened version is often played at international sporting events.
As it was instituted during the struggle for independence, the lyrics express a strong determination to fight for freedom.
The anthem powerfully portrays the pursuit of liberation from oppression and a proud spirit toward Argentina.
Orientales, la Patria o la tumbaSakushi: Francisco Acuña de Figueroa / Sakkyoku: Francisco José Debali
Uruguay’s national anthem, “Orientales, la Patria o la tumba,” is a magnificent piece that celebrates patriotism and freedom.
It premiered on July 19, 1845, and was officially recognized as the national anthem in 1848.
Influenced by opera, the music features a grand style reminiscent of Rossini and Donizetti, characterized by a structure that alternates between solo and chorus.
The lyrics begin with “People of the East, the homeland or the grave,” expressing a strong resolve for Uruguay’s independence and freedom.
The work is frequently performed at Uruguayan ceremonies and sporting events, serving as a source of national pride.
It is highly recommended for those who wish to savor its patriotic lyrics and majestic musical tone.
Himno Nacional de ColombiaSakushi: Rafael Núñez / Sakkyoku: Oreste Sindici
It is a song that celebrates the spirit of Colombia and symbolizes the pride of the nation.
First performed on November 11, 1887, this national anthem embodies a fervent yearning for Colombia’s independence and freedom.
The poetic lyrics by Rafael Núñez and the solemn melody by Oreste Sindici blend beautifully, leaving a deep impression on the hearts of the people.
Consisting of eleven verses, the lyrics honor Colombia’s history and the achievements of its heroes, with particularly vivid depictions of the Battle of Boyacá and the feats of Simón Bolívar.
Often performed in moments that inspire patriotism, it powerfully expresses Colombia’s cultural identity.
Africa (1–10)
KassamanNEW!Sakushi: Moufdi Zakaria / Sakkyoku: Mohamed Fawzi
Composed in the midst of the War of Independence, this is Algeria’s national anthem—the very soul of the nation.
The lyrics were written by “the poet of the revolution,” Moufdi Zakaria, and the music was composed by Egyptian star Mohamed Fawzi.
The piece is famed for the harrowing story that its lyrics were written in blood on a prison wall, and it voices a vow to the homeland set to the driving rhythm of a march.
Officially adopted in July 1962, its intense content—including references to the former colonial power—has at times led to only portions being performed at international events.
Enshrined as sacred to the state, the song was made unalterable by a 2008 constitutional amendment.
When listened to with a sense of its historical weight, its heroic melody resonates all the more deeply.
South Sudan Oyee!NEW!Sakushi: Juba Daigaku no gakusei to kyouin / Sakkyoku: Juba Daigaku no gakusei to kyouin
The national anthem of South Sudan, established upon its independence in 2011.
The composition was created by students and faculty of the University of Juba.
Rather than being the work of a single individual, it was produced by a university team following a public contest leading up to independence—a background that truly conveys a passionate resolve to build a nation together as one people.
The exclamation “Oyee!” in the lyrics powerfully communicates the joy of overcoming long hardships and a vow to justice and peace.
First officially performed at the independence ceremony in July 2011, the anthem’s hope-filled melody leaves a deeply moving impression.
Why not give it a listen when you’re taking a new step forward or joining forces with others to face difficulties?
National anthem of South AfricaEnoch Sontonga, C. J. Langenhoven
The national anthem of the Republic of South Africa was established in 1997 by President Nelson Mandela.
The anthem, as sung today, is an arrangement that combines two songs into one: “God Bless Africa” and “The Call of South Africa.” The fact that two songs from different eras were fused together, and that it is sung in various languages—such as Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans, and English—conveys an aspiration for reconciliation and unity among the diverse peoples living in South Africa.
It is a powerful anthem that seems to express both South Africa’s majestic natural beauty and a strong sense of patriotism.
Hymne ChérifienSakushi: Ali Squalli Houssaini / Sakkyoku: Leo Morgan
The national anthem of the Kingdom of Morocco, “Long Live the King,” has lyrics in Arabic, one of the country’s official languages.
It was composed around 1952 by the bandmaster of the Royal Guard during the French Protectorate period and was adopted as the national anthem in 1956, when Morocco gained independence from France.
It began to be sung with lyrics after 1970, when the Moroccan national team made its first appearance at the FIFA World Cup held in Mexico.
There are said to be two theories: one that the lyrics were chosen through a competition organized by King Hassan II at the time, and another that the king directly commissioned a writer.
