Top 10 Countries with the Best National Anthem

What's the best way to show your love for your country? Singing its national anthem, of course! National anthems are more than just songs. They tell the story of a nation's past, present, and future. They express its culture and values. And they make you feel proud and emotional every time you hear them.

But which national anthem is the best in the world? That's a tough question to answer. There are so many amazing national anthems out there, each with its own charm and style. That's why we asked you to vote for your favorites, and we've ranked the top ten based on your votes.

Whether you like powerful, moving tunes or catchy, upbeat ones, you'll find something to love in this list of the best national anthems in the world.
The Top Ten
1 Pakistan Pakistan's national anthem is "Qaumi Taranah," composed by Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949.

Inspiring, the anthem encompasses the vision for the future and the fundamentals on which the state should be based. Now if only more citizens would follow the themes laid out in it. Musically, it's quite pleasing too.

Superb lyrics, sentiments, and music - obvious really, because the only true religion, Islam, with the best and most poetic language, Urdu, will always produce the winner.

I love the Pakistan national anthem because the way you sing it, it is really beautiful. It doesn't matter if even a 5-year-old sings it. Still, my Pakistan has the most beautiful national anthem.

2 France France's national anthem, "La Marseillaise," was composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in 1792.

The Republic, the citizens, the quest for freedom against tyranny. The patriotism, the glory, the French Revolution. It's all part of a very romantic idea of classical republicanism. The struggle against oppression and the love for values such as freedom and the will to die for them is simply beautiful.

And, of course, the music that brings to life one of the most important episodes of Western civilization is embodied in a song. It has to be my favorite anthem, without a doubt.

Although, of course, all anthems are simply beautiful because they represent each country and what they stand for.

Every last drop of blood in your body will boil, every single strand of hair will rise, and every single bone in your body will tremble if you listen to this great anthem. You will want to fight for your freedom, stand up for your rights, and charge towards the lines of greedy, upper-class individuals while holding spears and the French flag. You will stand up and dream for the sky. That's the beauty and greatness of the French national anthem. It knows no nationality, ethnicity, or religion. It will let you stand up and fight with dignity.

3 India India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911.

It's really an amazing country. I am Indian, and I am proud to be. The national anthem of India is well-written, in my view. It was written after a lot of struggles faced by Indians against the British. So, I think its national anthem is the best one. As an Indian, I can proudly say it. Rabindranath Tagore was the one who wrote the Indian national anthem, infusing it with a lot of meaning, expressing the beauty of my nation. The Indian national anthem is deeply meaningful. If you hear it and know the meaning, you will definitely agree that the Indian national anthem is really beautiful.

Yes, the Indian national anthem is one of the best and most beautiful national songs in the world. No other anthem can compare to it.

It's one of the best national anthems in the world because it doesn't harm any other country's culture or religion. Instead, it raises its voice in favor of cosmopolitanism and unity among people of different religions and cultures. If you listen to the full poem "Bhagyo Bidhata," written by Rabindranath Tagore, from which the national anthem is derived, you can discover its deep sensibility. The anthem doesn't proclaim India as the best country, as there is no such thing. A country exists for the people who reside in it, and Tagore prays to God for those people and, hence, for the country. Therefore, I believe it is not only a rich national anthem but also an outstanding and sensitive poem.

4 Russia Russia's anthem, "State Anthem of the Russian Federation," has music by Alexander Alexandrov and was adopted in 2000.

As an Indian, I rate the Russian National Anthem a 10 out of 10. It's the second-most-liked national anthem for me, after the Indian National Anthem. It's presented and expressed with beautiful language and has a lot of meaning in it. That's all I wanted to say about Russia. It is a very good friend to India. I would love to go to Russia. It's one of my dream destinations.

The music and choir are powerful, just like they once used to be. The beginning always gets me, and even Putin cried when hearing it. This is the most beautiful piece of music that my ears have ever experienced. It's as if they sang from their hearts and put all of their energy into the anthem. Every country should be as proud of themselves as Russia is.

One of the greatest flexes of all time. While I prefer anthems that celebrate more of what makes a country great (notably Canada) over anthems that celebrate triumph through bloodshed (USA, France), there's just something absolutely epic about this anthem in either the USSR or Russian versions.

5 United States The United States' anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner," with lyrics by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and music by John Stafford Smith.

The United States' anthem is truly beautiful. Our country has come so far, and these poetic, moving words cause us to recall the beginning of our country's history. By listening to this blissful melody, the patriotism in me and fellow proud Americans bursts out. I love every nation and national anthem in this world, but none can beat that of the USA. Lovely country, and lovely anthem.

The anthem has so much history to it. It's so revolutionary. The anthem is really old. It makes you think of the country. It gives you an idea of how we won our freedom. It shows how patriotic we are, how meaningful the words are. It makes you feel patriotic and makes you feel proud that you are American. You could look at any USA landmark - Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Redwood Forests, Grand Tetons, Great Plains, White House, etc. - and see the United States anthem within it. Because to me, it just speaks out FREE!

6 Germany Germany's national anthem, "Deutschlandlied," has music by Joseph Haydn composed in 1797 and lyrics by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben written in 1841.

Whatever you might think of the obsolete text (170 years ago it was revolutionary: written by a nearly forgotten poet who supported the idea of unity, justice, and freedom) - praise the melody! It was originally written by Joseph Haydn as the 2nd movement of the "Kaiserquartett" (String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3). Haydn himself thanked God for the inspiration and, in his old age, used to play the melody every morning to find consolation and recreation. I think it's noble, solemn, and very 18th-century - simply beautiful.

Franz Joseph Haydn should be a big enough reason to put this on the list. The unused first stanza begins with Deutschland über Alles in der Welt, which actually means Germany is most important to me in the world. At least, the verb conjugation indicates that, not Germany over all in the world, the interpretation that many use as evidence that Germany has always been right-wing.

7 Canada Canada's national anthem is "O Canada," composed by Calixa Lavallée with French lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier in 1880 and English lyrics by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908.

The Canadian anthem shows everyone that it is NOT okay to fight, and it's good to be free. "With glowing hearts we see thee rise" represents that us Canadians care for and admire thee. We are strong and peaceful. Americans want to start a war.

Canada is about peace and balance in the world. It represents not only Canada but also the way life should be. Mankind should learn from the way of the Canadians. I'm an American, and I admit that Canada is superior in its way of life. Our national anthem describes war and pride. However, this pride was merely obtained through violent and sadistic methods. Therefore, Canada is the most benevolent and sincere country of all, and I believe their anthem reflects that.

The Canadian national anthem is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. The lyrics are simple, but when accompanied by music, they hold so much meaning, depicting unity, love, and freedom. What I find great is that the more people sing it, the better it sounds. And the original French/English version is awesome! It just fills me with adrenaline and pride.

8 Mexico Mexico's national anthem, "Himno Nacional Mexicano," was composed by Jaime Nunó with lyrics by Francisco González Bocanegra in 1854.

This anthem is a poem with a strong and inspirational message to every Mexican: to stand ready and willing to defend their nation. It offers a profound call to national pride and honor. It also reminds the country about the divinely endowed gift in each of its citizens, calling upon them as soldiers to defend it willingly and with valor at any moment of need. If your national anthem inspires and motivates you deeply, and effectively calls upon your desire to unite in a common goal for your country, as well as your desire to seek victory and prosperity, then it must be a good anthem with results-oriented beauty.

Mexico! Undoubtedly the anthem has the most glorious lyrics and exceptional music. Who can match the "In heaven your eternal destiny, by the finger of God was written," or "Think, beloved fatherland, that heaven gave you a soldier in each son"?

A great nation with such a rich history, with a culture so powerful, with such delicious food, with the best beaches in the world, with people so cheerful and noble, and with the most beautiful flag, could not but have an anthem as glorious!

9 Italy Italy's national anthem, "Il Canto degli Italiani," was composed by Michele Novaro with lyrics by Goffredo Mameli in 1847.

Makes me proud to be Italian. English translated version:

Brothers of Italy, Italy has woken. She has bound Scipio's helmet upon her head. Where is Victory? Let her bow down, for God created her as the slave of Rome. Let us join in a cohort. We are ready to die. We are ready to die. Italy has called. We were for centuries downtrodden, derided because we were not one people. Because we were divided. Let one flag, one hope, gather us all. The hour has struck for us to unite. Let us unite, let us love one another. For union and love reveal to the people the ways of the Lord. Let us swear to set free the land of our birth: United, for God, who can overcome us? From the Alps to Sicily, Legnano is everywhere. Every man has the heart and hand of Ferruccio. The children of Italy are all called Balilla. Every trumpet blast sounds the Vespers. Mercenary swords are feeble reeds. The Austrian eagle has already lost its plumes. The blood of Italy and the Polish blood it drank, along with the Cossack, but it burned its heart.

10 South Africa South Africa's national anthem, "National Anthem of South Africa," combines "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" and "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika." Music and lyrics for "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" were by Enoch Sontonga in 1897, and "Die Stem" by Marthinus Lourens de Villiers in 1921. The combined anthem was adopted in 1997.

Our anthem, like our Constitution, is a testimony to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural plurality, unlike so many others listed above and below. Two features stand out: the proud sense of spiritual power and the love of the land as a manifestation of that spiritual power. Less militant than many others, it is an expression of what makes us human and social beings.

The music, the message, the emotion brought out by the music - any feelings of hopelessness, weakness, and sadness are quickly changed to those of happiness, courage, and pride when the beat of the South African national anthem starts. And this comes from someone who has never been to South Africa and who is hearing the national anthem sung by people from other nations. How much better would it sound when it is sung by the people who identify with this anthem? I would love to hear it from them one day. God bless South Africa.

The Contenders
11 Brazil Brazil's anthem, "Hino Nacional Brasileiro," was composed by Francisco Manuel da Silva in 1831 with lyrics by Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada adopted in 1922.

It's a song that invokes the spirit of the Brazilian land: the splendid sky, the extensive forests, flowers that smile, and the sun that gives a sensation of freedom. A colossus of nature, the Brazilian soil is like a sweet, kind, and accommodating mother - an earth that feeds on love and hope. Her children, the Brazilians, clamor for justice, pray for peace, and offer love to this "golden land". They do not fear death.

The lyrics of the anthem were written as a poem, and a poem it is. As beautiful as it is, most of its beauty comes not only from the history behind it but is also expressed by the vast vocabulary that the Portuguese language carries. If one knows or learns the language, it's a known fact that they will embrace the beauty of it with all their heart and love.

There's absolutely no way to listen to our National Anthem and not cry! It's perfectly written, carries such deep feelings, and not to mention how beautiful and spiritual the formal and classic Brazilian Portuguese can sound and be. If there was ever another expression of love, devotion, and patriotic proclamation as powerful as this one, I really don't know it.

12 United Kingdom The United Kingdom's anthem is "God Save the Queen" (or "God Save the King" depending on the monarch's gender), its composer is unknown, and it dates back to the 18th century.

First comment on the USA anthem: I agree with some of the things you have said. It's quite a nice country and has a nice anthem, but not as great a country as England and all of its United Kingdom and British Isles. And this anthem clearly worked! The Queen has been on the great and proud throne of our (mine at least) country's well-known and respected throne for a whole 64 years. This should be number one. Well, maybe the number one best country ever. When all is lost, England and its profound isles will pick themselves up and fight on! England, Scotland, Wales, Northern and Southern Ireland, and the Isle of Man - together, we are a United Kingdom, as one!

Oh Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all!
People fail to remember that this anthem, although it is largely about the Queen, also accounts for the people of Great Britain. God does not forget about the British people. He is with them always and forever.

13 Scotland Scotland's national anthem, "Flower of Scotland," was written by Roy Williamson of the Corries in the 1960s.

My favorite anthem on this entire list. If asked what the anthem of Scotland is, most people will say they don't know. But in fact, if you've heard someone playing bagpipes, most likely they're playing the Scotland anthem. It is so recognizable.

Makes me proud to be Scottish. Maybe it's one of the only anthems sung in a dialect that's not heard much anymore. Can't beat the bagpipes and hearing it at a sports game gives me goosebumps!

The Flower of Scotland isn't played that often officially, but it's a strong and emotional anthem that is sung with dedication and pride, especially at sports events. Though I'm not Scottish, it gives me goosebumps.

14 Spain Spain's national anthem, "Marcha Real" (Royal March), is one of the few national anthems without official lyrics. Its origin is uncertain but it dates back to the 18th century.

The Royal March is a great representation of a proud country, hated by many and loved by even more. Today, Spain is at the forefront of progressive thinking. Its national anthem is a march ahead. Never look back. Definitely better than the number one voted, Pakistan. Are we kidding?

Most beautiful anthem ever! I love the National Anthems of France and the USA as well! It's just that the Spanish Royal Anthem is so majestic, regal, and powerful sounding!

I have probably listened to at least a hundred national anthems. It's a subject that really interests me. The Spanish anthem is the best of them, and I'm not biased because I'm Belgian and actually kind of dislike Spain. But their anthem is the best.

15 Bangladesh Bangladesh's national anthem, "Amar Sonar Bangla," was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.

The mellifluous melody and the images woven into each stanza represent the face of pristine, golden Bengal. This song is a utopia for the Bengali people. We want to have peace under a big banyan tree whose riverbank will evoke our memories of tears and smiles. Sir Rabindranath Tagore, the towering figure of world literature, an universally revered poet from Bengal, envisioned the essence of Bengal and condensed it in this song - just like the Japanese condense their universe in a piece of haiku. This anthem indeed strikes a chord in the heart and transports me to a beautiful, picturesque, and joyful village - I see the face of Bengal.

I love the Bangladeshi national anthem. Whenever I hear the tune of our anthem, I get goosebumps. Greatest feelings ever and the world's best anthem.

I love the country of Bangladesh. As an Indian, I really love Bangladesh. It's one of my dream destinations that I've wanted to visit since my childhood. The Bangladeshi national anthem is also one of the best I know. It also has a beautiful meaning in it. The Indian as well as the Bangladeshi national anthems were written by an Indian man named Rabindranath Tagore.

16 Nepal Nepal's national anthem, "Sayaun Thunga Phulka," was composed by Amber Gurung in 2007.

Well, I also think that the Nepali national anthem is a great one. Nepal is a very beautiful place with stunning scenery and many Hindu temples. The national anthem of Nepal is also represented by its beauty and the pride of its nation. Nepal is a small country located near India, and both Nepal and India share their borders with each other.

While every other national anthem seems to sound the same, Nepal gives a showcase of Nepali culture. Listen to the Chinese anthem. Does it remind you of the country? Probably not. In fact, if there were a game for guessing all the national anthems, most people would say they all sound the same. However, Nepal shows off their country rather than presenting some boring march. I mean, it's also catchy.

Beautiful country with the most heterogeneous population and diversity in climate, heritage, and culture, Nepal boasts its stirring lyrics with dynamic and creative music. The national anthem of Nepal is special in many ways, the most important being that a new anthem in a new federal democratic republic was created to show the unity and solidarity within the diversity of population and culture.

17 Japan Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo," has music from an anonymous composer in the 19th century and lyrics from an ancient poem.

Well, one of my favorite countries is Japan. There are a lot of similarities between Japanese and Indian cultures. The Japanese national anthem is also one of the best national anthems in the world, in my view. It is presented in its beautiful language. I've heard it many times, so I love the Japanese national anthem.

The lyric is based on "waka" poetry from more than 1,000 years ago. The difference between "haiku" and "waka" is that while haiku consists of 17 syllables (5-7-5) and requires one of the words to represent a season, waka consists of 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7) and does not require a word to represent a season. Waka poems were often exchanged between men and women of the aristocratic class in the 8th to 12th centuries as love letters. (In fact, you couldn't be an alpha male if you weren't good at poetry during this period.) While the national anthem's lyrics are generally interpreted to celebrate the emperor's reign over Japan for tens of thousands of years, it is said that in the original "waka" poetry, the author (unknown) was talking about how much he loved his partner and wanted to live with her for tens of thousands of years. Someone's love letter becoming a national anthem is, in my opinion, very rare.

18 Philippines The Philippines' national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," was composed by Julián Felipe in 1898 with lyrics by José Palma added in 1899.

The Philippine national anthem, even when played without lyrics, sends chills to the bones. It is a marching song that conveys a spirit of moving forward in any battle and never retreating, no matter what happens. It's a sure tearjerker in a positive way. While it plays and you place your right hand on your left chest, you'll be proud that you are a Filipino. "Pinili na, pinino pa" (already chosen people and set aside ones) - a proud race that will survive come what may.

It has a beautiful melody. The music was composed by Julian Felipe and was inspired by Spain's national anthem "Marcha Real," "Grand March" from Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida," and France's national anthem "La Marseillaise."

The lyrics were originally in Spanish and were translated into English during the American colonization period. After gaining independence from the USA, they were translated into Tagalog. As you read the lyrics, you'll find that they are more patriotic than the national anthems of many other countries. They remember how our heroes were sacrificed during the colonization by invaders to achieve independence, and the lyrics also show love for our country.

19 Ukraine Ukraine's national anthem, "Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy ni slava ni volya," has music by Mykhailo Verbytsky and lyrics by Pavlo Chubynsky, written in 1863.

Ukraine is a very amazing country with its beautiful scenery. There are a lot of places to visit in Ukraine. I even love their national anthem.

Gives me chills every time I'm listening to it and makes me proud to be Ukrainian. The melody and lyrics are superb. Slava Ukraini!

Well, I've listened to many anthems, and the Ukrainian one gets the hair on your neck raised each time. It's fast-paced and inspiring. Definitely the best one among Slavic nations. I don't understand why the Russian one is second and this is 16th. I find my own country's anthem very emotional too, but I can say this is the best one.

20 Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland's national anthem, "Amhrán na bhFiann" (The Soldier's Song), was composed by Peadar Kearney and Patrick Heeney with lyrics by Kearney in 1907.

The Republic of Ireland's national anthem is also a very good one. I love their country, their food, their living habits, and also the national anthem too. It's presented in its beautiful language and expressed with a lot of meaning.

Very inspirational, lyrically and harmonically. Not only worthy of being Ireland's national anthem but also our one source of national pride. A Soldier's Song is my favorite song and my source of love for Ireland.

Captures the mental attitude of every Irish man, woman, and child as people who have fought for their right to sing this anthem and will continue to do so until the world ends.

21 Australia Australia's national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair," composed by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878.

I am sorry, but the national anthem is the opposite of what we are doing. It says we welcome people from other lands and we are rich and fair - blah blah. We call refugees illegal refugees as if there is a legal refugee. It's pathetic. I can go on, but a national anthem should be about the real values that are valued, not just sung and left on the shelf!

As an Australian, I am duty-bound to love the song we hear ad nauseam at the Commonwealth Games. But, gotta say, even though it's pretty bland musically, the sentiment of the lyrics makes me proud of the society we have created and contemplative of how lucky we are to live here.

Australia has a great national anthem, but most forget to sing the second verse. Yes, there is a second verse for those who don't know.

I once went to the dawn service, and they didn't play the second verse, which I thought was quite disrespectful.

22 New Zealand New Zealand's national anthem is "God Defend New Zealand," with music by John Joseph Woods and lyrics by Thomas Bracken in 1876.

The leader of the opposition Labour Party wanted to change this anthem, but why? Just because we were deciding whether we would change the flag (which we didn't because the alternative choices were terrible), we lost pride in what we already had. It's actually a great anthem with a tune and shows racial unity between the Maori people and NZ Europeans.

This anthem is about love and peace for everyone. I don't think anyone could resist voting for this after listening to the entire anthem. It's long, but it is amazing and could teach some other countries a moral lesson or two... 'Merica, I'm looking at you.

I actually think NZ's national anthem is the best of all. It is so beautiful and its soul is so deeply embedded. I thought it should be in the best 3. But then, I was slightly shocked when it was ranked 12th. I still love this national anthem!

23 Denmark Denmark's national anthem, "Der er et yndigt land" (There is a lovely country), was composed by Hans Ernst Krøyer in 1835 with lyrics by Adam Oehlenschläger.

Denmark's national anthem isn't about war, power, or leaders, unlike most other national anthems. It focuses on the beauty of the country.

The Kingdom of Denmark has the best national anthem. Additionally, the peace in Denmark is unmatched. There is no war, which I like very much. If all countries were like this, then there would be no war on Earth. So, no war, only peace.

Denmark has a truly beautiful anthem. It is inspirational, with good lyrics and a fantastic melody. Best anthem.

24 Wales Wales' national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" (Old Land of My Fathers), was composed by James James with lyrics by Evan James in 1856.

This makes me so unbelievably proud of my country. The power behind every lyric is beautiful, but half the country can't understand it. Make Welsh more popular in our stunning country!

The climax at the end is so uplifting, and it is a song for the people, poets, and warriors of the land, uniting them to protect their language - unlike the English one, which is all about serving your monarch and being reigned over.

A great tempo with amazing lyrics. Translate them to your native language to see the passion behind this tiny nation's anthem. Combine this with Wales being the land of song, and you have your true number one!

25 Soviet Union The Soviet Union's anthem, "State Anthem of the Soviet Union," was composed by Alexander Alexandrov with lyrics by Sergey Mikhalkov and Gabriel El-Registan in 1944.

Best anthem ever! Really represents the nation and their system of government. When I listen to it in English, I only hear words like brotherhood, workers, and the common citizen. By far the best, much better than the USA's Star-Spangled Banner.

Even during the time of the horrible Soviet dictatorships of Stalin, Brezhnev, and so forth, the National Anthem of the Soviet Union remains a powerful and beautiful mark on how much the Russian people love their country.

This song is so powerful and touching. It just shows how much the people loved their country even during the rule of Stalin.

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