Top 15 Beautiful National Anthems In the World

List of Top 15 Beautiful National Anthems In the World

We select the best anthems that stand out, some of which will be heard at the FIFA World Cup, Olympics and Six Nations. We’ve heard some of the best national anthems from around the world. Here is a list of national anthems around the world. We’re particularly curious about what you’ll hear about at the World Cup, Olympics, Six Nations and many other sporting events.

Pakistan “Qaumi Taranah”

Pakistan’s national anthem, “Qaumi Taranah,” bears witness to the country’s spirit and aspirations. The lyrics, penned by renowned poet Hafeez Jalandhari, weave an ideal tapestry outlining a vision of a strong and united Pakistan. The song delves into the fundamental principles on which the country was founded and gives us a glimpse into the hopes and dreams of its people. 

Musically, the national anthem by Ahmed J. Chagla, 1949, transcends borders. It blends the rich musical heritage of the East with Western influences, resulting in a unique and captivating composition. The melody is powerful and upbeat, perfectly complementing the profound message of the lyrics.

However, the beauty of “Qaumi Taranah” lies not only in its components. The national anthem holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistani citizens. It evokes a deep patriotism and is a powerful reminder of the country’s shared historical and cultural identity. 

Even the birth of a pure, raw child can stir emotions and ignite national pride. There are undoubtedly many inspiring national anthems around the world. Still, for Pakistanis, “Qaumi Tarana” holds a unique place as a powerful symbol that resonates deeply in the nation’s soul.

Netherlands: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe

For its rich history alone, the Dutch Wilhelmhuis national anthem deserves a spot on our list—it’s been in use since around 1570, making it the oldest national anthem in the world. The words are written in the first person as if spoken by William of Orange, who led the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain in the 16th century.

France: La Marseille

“La Marseillaise” is perhaps the most famous national anthem in the world after the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It is definitely one of the most exciting. It was composed by Claude-Joseph Roger de Lisle in 1792 to inspire the French army against Austria. 

It was originally called “Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin” (War Hymn of the Army of the Rhine), with 4 /4 beat runs. It has an unmistakable feeling. With purpose and confidence: “Aux armes, citoyens; Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons!’

Germany: Das Lied der Deutschen

For many English-speaking listeners, this beautiful national anthem has become ominously familiar as the musical prelude to Germany’s yet another exit from a major football tournament, at least until recently.

 It is also the only national anthem composed by a well-known writer. Joseph Haydn composed the song in 1797 as the anthem of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. Germany, not a single nation in Haydn’s time, adopted it as its national anthem in 1922. It is lyrically freer than most anthems, and Haydn used its melody in his compositions. 76 String Quartet No. 3.

Italy: Il Canto degli Italiani

Some countries have national anthems. Italy has a miniature Verdi opera. After a large orchestral introduction, we get a rhythmic chorus that could easily have appeared in the great composer’s aria, “Il Trovatore”.

As if that weren’t enough, we move into a powerful march, ending with the rousing “l’Italia chiamò” (“Italy calls!”). Although Verdi was a prominent figure in the Italian unification movement, this 1847 masterpiece was not composed by Verdi; it was actually composed by the Genoese composer Michel Novarro.

Kenya: EE Mungo Nguvo Yetu

In a world dominated by anthems in major keys, the strict Kenyan intonation in minor keys is a welcome rarity. Unlike many other songs, a composer from elsewhere did not write it. Still, it was based on traditional pokomo tunes and was the work of locals led by a government committee established after British independence in 1963. 

The opening line means, “O God who is our strength, bring us your blessing.” Expect to hear this phrase frequently at the Olympic Stadium, often (but not exclusively) after long-distance athletics events.

Ethiopia: Whedefit Gesgeshi Woude Henate Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s upbeat national anthem—also frequently played at Olympic track and field events—is stylistically distinct from neighbouring Kenya. It’s also one of the most exhilarating. 

Solomon Lolo Metiko created it, and the country adopted it after the fall of the Marxist government in 1992. Its title translates as “Onward, Dear Mother Ethiopia.”

Jamaica: Jamaica, land we love

It is another national anthem that has become familiar to Olympic fans recently. However, the raw power and incredible speed displayed on the track by Usain Bolt and Shelley-Anne Fraser-Pryce was a far cry from this laid-back tone. 

Like many national anthems, it dates back to Britain’s independence in 1962. Separate competitions were held to find lyrics and melodies. The first title was won by Hugh Sherlock, and the second by Robert Lightbourne.

Japan: Kimigayo

The host country of the 2020/1 Olympics also has one of the most compelling national anthems. Its lyrics are the oldest (dating back to the tenth century) and the shortest. This melody was composed by Lin Guangsheng in the early 20th century.

It is a mixture of Western classical style and traditional Japanese court music. Moreover, it is a bit confusing for Westerners, and the ending is not the tone we are used to, but a super tone.

Liechtenstein:  Oben am jungen Rhein

You don’t have to listen closely to Liechtenstein’s national anthem, “Oben am jungen Rhein,” to notice how similar it is to the British national anthem, “God Save Our Merciful Queen.” It is because the two songs are the same, but the way they are sung is different. 

It is because, from the earliest days of the national anthem, many countries began simply borrowing the British national anthem (in this case, “Blighty”) and adapting it to their purposes.  Other countries eventually wrote their books one by one, but Liechtenstein chose to stick with the familiar and still does to this day.

South Africa: South African National Anthem

How are your language skills? Most countries have only one national anthem in one language. Quite a few diplomatically have a national anthem that can be sung in two or more different translations, depending on where the country is (and who’s singing it). 

Then there is South Africa, with five different languages spoken in one hymn, starting in Xhosa and progressing to Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English in the next three stanzas.  The current national anthem was adopted in its current form by President Nelson Mandela in 1997.

It originated from a combination of the Xhosa national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, and the former Afrikaans national anthem, Die Stem van Suid-Afrika.

Spain: : Marcha Granadera 

Of course, one way to avoid the diplomatic problems associated with the choice of language for the national anthem is not to use any words. It is the characteristic of the Spanish national anthem, “Granada March.” 

The national anthem itself dates back to the 18th century. During this time, there were several attempts to add text to it, but since the population included not only Spaniards but also Basques, Catalans, Galicians and others, The national anthem was chosen. Language, not to mention national sentiment.  Getting everyone to accept it has proven to be almost impossible. Likewise, Bosnia chose to remain silent while playing its national anthem.

Uruguay: Oriental, la Patria o la tumba

Consider sitting down and getting comfortable before listening to the national anthem of Uruguay, Uruguay, La Patria or La Tomba. Pour yourself a glass of wine and let the cat out. 

The national anthem, composed by Francisco José de Valle in 1845 and inspired by the opera’s Bel Canto and The Hate of the Spaniards, is the longest national anthem in the world.  By the time you finish listening to the orchestral overture and Debali’s 105 Bellini-style twists and turns, more than five minutes have passed. There are about nine. May God protect our generous Queen throughout.

Russia: Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskov Federatsii

In 1944, Stalin initially chose Alexander Alexandrov’s rousing tune as the music for the Soviet national anthem, but when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Russia switched to Glinka’s anthem. 

It was not a popular decision, especially since the national anthem has no lyrics. Vladimir Putin, who knew he was a bathtub beater upon hearing it, reinstated the Soviet anthem shortly after taking power. However, the old Soviet words were replaced.

Wales: Hen wlad fy nhadau

The Land of Our Fathers is as poignant as they come: even a hard-hearted Brit must feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up when he hears “Gwlad!” During the Six Nations rugby championship, the packed Principality Stadium rang out with chants of “Gwlad!”