The Most Beautiful National Anthem, Ranked

Choose the national anthem you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:58
National anthems, with their stirring melodies and poignant lyrics, hold a profound place in the hearts of people around the world. Each anthem tells a unique story of identity, struggle, and pride, resonating deeply with those it represents. Ranking these musical symbols of national spirit can foster a greater appreciation for the diverse expressions of patriotism and heritage found across the globe. By participating in voting for the most beautiful national anthem, you contribute to a global conversation about cultural significance and artistic value. This ongoing collective judgment not only highlights popular favorites but also reveals lesser-known anthems that capture the imagination. Your votes help celebrate the rich tapestry of global cultures and ensure that every nation’s voice is heard in this melodious contest.

Which Is the Most Beautiful National Anthem?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    Italy - "Il Canto degli Italiani"
    Goffredo Mameli · Public domain
    The beautiful melody and powerful lyrics of the Italian national anthem reflect the country's rich history and culture.
    The national anthem of Italy, 'Il Canto degli Italiani' (The Song of the Italians), is a beautiful and patriotic composition. It is also known as 'Inno di Mameli' (Mameli's Hymn), named after its creator Goffredo Mameli. The anthem, which is written in Italian, has a stirring and powerful melody, making it one of the most beloved national anthems in the world.
    • Title: Il Canto degli Italiani
    • Also Known As: Inno di Mameli (Mameli's Hymn)
    • Language: Italian
    • Lyricist: Goffredo Mameli
    • Composer: Michele Novaro
  2. 2
    42
    votes
    France - "La Marseillaise"
    Isidore Pils · Public domain

    France - "La Marseillaise"

    Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
    This anthem is known for its stirring melody and lyrics that celebrate the French Revolution and the country's national pride.
    France - La Marseillaise is the national anthem of France. It is a powerful and patriotic song that has become an iconic symbol of the French Revolution and the country's struggle for freedom.
    • Language: French
    • Lyrics: Rouget de Lisle
    • Musical composition: Rouget de Lisle
    • Adopted: 1795 (officially in 1879)
    • Duration: 1 minute and 30 seconds
  3. 3
    13
    votes
    This anthem has a hauntingly beautiful melody, and its lyrics are a tribute to the country's diverse cultures and struggle for freedom.
    The South African national anthem, 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika', is a hymn-like composition that carries a strong message of unity and freedom. It is a beautiful and inspiring anthem that reflects the country's diverse history and the aspiration for a united nation.
    • Language: Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, English
    • Lyrics: Enoch Sontonga (Xhosa), Additional lyrics by Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (Afrikaans part)
    • Melody: Enoch Sontonga
    • Adopted: 1997
    • Officially recognized: 1994
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Japan - "Kimigayo"
    Sakurambo · Public domain
    This anthem is known for its simple and elegant melody, which has been used in traditional Japanese music for centuries.
    Japan - Kimigayo is the national anthem of Japan. It is a short, simple, and serene melody that is sung at official ceremonies and national events. The anthem holds great significance for the Japanese people, symbolizing their rich culture and history.
    • Title: Kimigayo
    • Official Adoption: 1888
    • Lyrics: The lyrics of Kimigayo consist of just two stanzas, each containing four phrases. The lyrics express loyalty to the Emperor and wish for his reign to continue for thousands of generations.
    • Music: The melody of Kimigayo is a pentatonic scale based on traditional Japanese court music.
    • Duration: The entire anthem can be sung within 50 seconds.
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    This anthem has a grand and majestic melody that reflects Russia's long and proud history.
    Russia - The Patriotic Song is the national anthem of the Russian Federation. It is a powerful and dynamic composition that evokes a sense of national pride and unity. The anthem's lyrics express love and devotion to the country, its history, and its people.
    • Melody: Energetic and uplifting
    • Lyrics: Expresses love and devotion to Russia
    • Duration: Approximately 3 minutes
    • Language: Russian
    • Original title: Государственный гимн Российской Федерации (State Anthem of the Russian Federation)
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Canada - "O Canada"
    Whaley Royce & Co. · Public domain
    This anthem has a beautiful melody that is both uplifting and inspiring, and its lyrics celebrate the country's natural beauty and multiculturalism.
    The Canadian national anthem, 'O Canada,' is a lyrical and inspiring composition that pays tribute to Canada's natural beauty, unity, and diverse culture. It serves as a symbol of national pride and patriotism for Canadians across the country.
    • Official Adoption: Officially adopted in 1980 as the national anthem of Canada.
    • Bilingual: The anthem is officially bilingual and has both English and French versions.
    • Length: The anthem has four verses, but usually only the first verse is sung.
    • Melody: The melody of 'O Canada' is stirring and uplifting, evoking a sense of national unity and pride.
    • Lyrics: The lyrics speak of Canada's beauty, freedom, and the shared values of its people.
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Brazil - "Hino Nacional Brasileiro"
    Deyvid Setti e Eloy Olindo Setti · Public domain
    This anthem has a sweeping and powerful melody that captures the spirit of Brazil's colorful culture and history.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Greece - "Hymn to Liberty"
    Dionysios Solomos · Public domain

    Greece - "Hymn to Liberty"

    Dionysios Solomos
    This anthem has a soaring melody and lyrics that celebrate Greece's long history of freedom and democracy.
    The Greece - 'Hymn to Liberty' is the national anthem of Greece, known for its emotional and stirring melody. It is considered one of the most beautiful national anthems in the world.
    • Title: Hymn to Liberty
    • Language: Greek
    • Lyrics: Dionysios Solomos
    • Music: Nikolaos Mantzaros
    • Adopted: 1864
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    United Kingdom - "God Save the Queen"
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    This anthem has a stately and regal melody that reflects the country's long history and traditions.
    The national anthem of the United Kingdom is 'God Save the Queen'. It is a hymn-like anthem that showcases the pride and loyalty of the British people. The anthem is traditionally played and sung during significant national events and sports competitions.
    • Title: God Save the Queen
    • Language: English
    • Music by: Unknown (traditional)
    • Lyrics by: Unknown (traditional)
    • Official adoption: 1745
  10. 10
    15
    votes

    India - "Jana Gana Mana"

    Rabindranath Tagore
    This anthem has a beautiful melody and lyrics that celebrate India's diverse cultures and its struggle for independence.
    Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem of India, known for its beautiful melody and powerful lyrics. It is sung in the Bengali language and embodies the spirit of unity and diversity of the Indian nation. The anthem evokes a sense of pride and patriotism among the Indian people.
    • Adopted: January 24, 1950
    • Duration: Approximately 52 seconds
    • Language: Bengali
    • Music: Rabindra Sangeet (composed by Rabindranath Tagore)
    • Lyrics: Rabindranath Tagore

Missing your favorite national anthem?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful national anthem

  1. Melody
    The melody should be pleasing to the ears and evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride.
  2. Lyrics
    The lyrics should reflect the values and history of the country, and be relevant to modern times.
  3. Musical arrangement
    The musical arrangement should enhance the melody and lyrics, and create an emotional impact on the listener.
  4. Cultural significance
    The national anthem should have cultural significance and be widely recognized across the country.
  5. Historical significance
    The national anthem should have a meaningful history linked to the country's struggles and achievements, and be a source of inspiration for its citizens.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful national anthem. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or anthem is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2573 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each anthem once every 24 hours. The rank of each anthem is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful national anthem

The national anthem is an integral part of any country's cultural identity, and it is often a source of great pride for citizens. From stirring instrumental arrangements to powerful lyrics that inspire patriotism, national anthems have the power to evoke strong emotions in people. With so many different anthems from around the world, it can be tough to choose which one is the most beautiful. Some national anthems are known for their soaring melodies, while others are celebrated for their inspiring lyrics. Whatever your preference, there's no denying that the national anthem is an important symbol of a country's values and beliefs. So, which national anthem do you think is the most beautiful? Cast your vote and see how it stacks up against other anthems from around the world on StrawPoll.

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