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.
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.
The lyrics talk about both religious and cultural values, and they are so poetic and beautiful. The music also combines perfectly with the lyrics, bringing out a patriotic spirit within a person. Listening to it motivates you to do something meaningful and make the country proud. Even the instrumental alone is enough to give you goosebumps every single time.
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 are 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.
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 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 and 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 well-known fact that they will embrace the beauty of it with all their heart and love.
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 Ireland, Southern Ireland, and the Isle of Man - together, we are a United Kingdom, as one!
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.
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.
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, a 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.
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.
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.
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 sacrificed themselves during colonization by invaders to achieve independence, and the lyrics also show love for our country.
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.
This anthem is more emotional and musically talented than all the rest. The Russian anthem is great but can't compare to this. One of the only things about the country that lots of people agree on, as far as I've seen. Best musical piece devised.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.