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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!

Europe (21–30)

Romania

Deșteaptă-te, române!Sakushi: Andrei Mureșanu / Sakkyoku: Gheorghe Ucenescu

Deeply rooted in Romania’s history, the national anthem “Deșteaptă-te, române!” was born during the Revolution of 1848.

With lyrics by Andrei Mureșanu and music attributed to Gheorghe Ucenescu, it is characterized by a powerful message calling for the awakening of the Romanian people.

Also known in Japanese as “Mezameyo, Rūmania-jin” (“Awaken, Romanians”), it was officially adopted as the national anthem on January 24, 1990, and has become an important piece that is always performed on Romania’s National Day and at official ceremonies.

Its lyrics, expressing patriotism and a yearning for freedom, deeply resonate with the nation, and the song is widely cherished as a symbol of Romania’s pride and unity.

Wales

Hen wlad fy nhadauSakushi: Evan James / Sakkyoku: James James

Welsh National Anthem – “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (CY/EN)
Hen wlad fy nhadauSakushi: Evan James / Sakkyoku: James James

The iconic song that sings of the soul of Wales, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.” Created by a father-and-son duo, this piece beautifully expresses Welsh pride and culture, as its Japanese title “My Fathers’ Land” suggests.

Born in 1856, it gained nationwide popularity after a performance at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1858.

Its lyrics, filled with love for Wales’s rich nature, history, and language, resonate deeply with listeners.

Frequently sung at sporting events and national ceremonies, it is a piece that stirs the Welsh spirit.

It’s recommended for those who want to experience Welsh culture or are seeking a stirring, grand national anthem.

Croatia

Our Beautiful Homeland (Lijepa naša domovino)sakushi: Antun Mihanović / sakkyoku: Josip Runjanin

Republic of Croatia National Anthem “Our Beautiful Homeland (Lijepa naša domovino)”
Our Beautiful Homeland (Lijepa naša domovino)sakushi: Antun Mihanović / sakkyoku: Josip Runjanin

The Croatian national anthem, also known as the model for Studio Ghibli’s film Kiki’s Delivery Service, bears the title Our Beautiful Homeland, which perfectly reflects its picturesque townscapes.

It became the national anthem in 1991, when Croatia declared independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Originally composed in 1846 during the era of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, it was based on an aria from Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermoor; the title and lyrics were later revised, giving it the form we know today.

Oceania (1–10)

Australia

Advance Australia FairPeter Dodds McCormick

Australian National Anthem – “Advance Australia Fair” (EN)
Advance Australia FairPeter Dodds McCormick

Australia’s national anthem, “Advance Australia Fair.” Translated into Japanese, its title means “Advance, Beautiful Australia.” The anthem was composed in 1878 by Peter Dodds McCormick, a schoolteacher.

There is another Australian patriotic song called “Waltzing Matilda,” and when the national anthem was to be decided, a public vote was held.

The more popular “Advance Australia Fair” was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1977.

New Zealand

God Defend New ZealandSakushi: Thomas Bracken, Thomas Henry Smith / Sakkyoku: John Joseph Woods

This song is cherished as a national anthem of New Zealand and is known in Japanese as “God Defend New Zealand.” The lyrics were written by Thomas Bracken in 1876, with music composed by John Joseph Woods.

Expressing hopes for the nation’s freedom and peace, the lyrics symbolize the pride and aspirations of the people of New Zealand.

Officially recognized as a national anthem in 1977, it is notable for having both English and Māori versions.

Frequently performed at sporting events and official ceremonies, the piece resonates deeply as a song imbued with the public’s wish for harmony among diverse cultures.