The Most Popular National Anthem, Ranked

Choose the national anthem you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 11, 2024 06:45
National anthems hold a special place in the hearts of people worldwide, encapsulating the pride, culture, and history of a nation. They are played at official events, international sports matches, and other ceremonial occasions, stirring feelings of patriotism and unity. Ranking these anthems provides insight into how they resonate with people across different countries and contexts. By participating in the voting, users contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects global preferences and sentiments towards these powerful symbols. This process not only fosters a deeper appreciation of music and cultural significance embedded in each anthem but also encourages a sense of global community and understanding. Your vote matters in shaping the reflection of these anthems' global standing.

What Is the Most Popular National Anthem?

  1. 1
    24
    votes
    This anthem is widely recognized and played at major sports events around the world. It has a rich history and is often associated with American patriotism.
    The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It is a patriotic song that represents the resilience, bravery, and pride of the American people. The anthem is often performed at significant events and gatherings, including sporting events and national holidays.
    • Adopted: March 3, 1931
    • Lyrics: Francis Scott Key
    • Composition: John Stafford Smith
    • Official Language: English
    • Key: B-flat major
  2. 2
    28
    votes
    "La Marseillaise" - France
    Isidore Pils · Public domain
    This anthem is known for its powerful lyrics and is often associated with the French Revolution. It has been used in many films and is a symbol of French nationalism.
    La Marseillaise is the national anthem of France. It is a patriotic song that was written and composed during the French Revolution. The anthem is known for its spirited and powerful melody, which has made it popular not only in France but also around the world.
    • Language: French
    • Original Title: Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin
    • First Performed: April 25, 1792
    • Adopted as National Anthem: July 14, 1795
    • Length: About 6 minutes
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    This anthem is played at many official functions in the UK and is a symbol of British nationalism. It is also the national anthem of Canada and many other Commonwealth countries.
    God Save the Queen is the national anthem of the United Kingdom. It is a patriotic song that expresses loyalty and reverence towards the British monarchy. The anthem is widely recognized and regularly performed during official and ceremonial occasions in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
    • Language: English
    • Lyrics: There are multiple sets of lyrics, with the most common being the version sung for the British sovereign: God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the Queen!
    • Melody: The anthem features a simple and easily recognizable melody, consisting of four phrases repeated throughout the song.
    • Historical Significance: God Save the Queen has been used as the British national anthem since the 18th century. It is associated with British national identity and the monarchy.
    • Multiple Use: The anthem is also used in several British territories, including the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    "O Canada" - Canada
    Whaley Royce & Co. · Public domain
    This anthem is a symbol of Canadian pride and is often played at national events. It is sung in both English and French and has a catchy melody.
    O Canada is the national anthem of Canada, which was officially adopted in 1980. It is a patriotic song expressing feelings of pride and love for the country, and it is sung on various occasions including sports events and national holidays. The lyrics of the anthem are in English and French, reflecting Canada's bilingualism. The anthem has become a symbol of Canadian identity and unity.
    • Adoption Year: 1980
    • Language: English and French
    • Lyricist: Adolphe-Basile Routhier
    • Composer: Calixa Lavallée
    • Bilingual: Yes
  5. 5
    24
    votes
    This anthem is a symbol of German unity and has been used since the 19th century. It is often played at sporting events and is sung in German.
    The 'Deutschlandlied', also known as 'Das Lied der Deutschen' (The Song of the Germans), is the national anthem of Germany. It was written in 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben and later set to music by Joseph Haydn in 1797. The anthem is divided into three stanzas, with the third stanza being used as the official national anthem since 1952. The lyrics of the anthem reflect the ideals of unity, freedom, and justice.
    • Title: Deutschlandlied
    • Alternate Name: Das Lied der Deutschen
    • Written: 1841
    • Music Composer: Joseph Haydn
    • Official Adoption: 1922 (text); 1952 (music)
  6. 6
    23
    votes
    "Il Canto degli Italiani" - Italy
    Goffredo Mameli · Public domain
    This anthem is a symbol of Italian nationalism and is often played at national events. It has a powerful melody and lyrics that reflect the struggles of the Italian people.
    Il Canto degli Italiani, also known as Inno di Mameli, is the national anthem of Italy. It is a patriotic song that celebrates the unification of Italy and expresses the values of freedom and independence.
    • Title: Il Canto degli Italiani
    • English Translation: The Song of the Italians
    • Lyricist: Goffredo Mameli
    • Composer: Michele Novaro
    • Officially Adopted: December 4, 1946
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    "Kimigayo" - Japan
    Sakurambo · Public domain
    This anthem is a symbol of Japanese patriotism and is often played at official events. It has a simple melody and is sung in Japanese.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    This anthem is the oldest national anthem in the world and has been used since the 18th century. It is often played at official events and has a regal sound.
  9. 9
    14
    votes
    This anthem is a symbol of Indian unity and is often played at national events. It has a beautiful melody and is sung in Bengali.
    The national anthem of India is called "Jana Gana Mana" which translates to "Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people". It was officially adopted as the national anthem of India on January 24, 1950, and holds great significance in the country's history and culture.
    • Language: Bengali
    • Duration: Approximately 52 seconds
    • Tune: Moderately paced and solemn
    • Style: Classical Indian
    • Melody: Based on Raga Alhiya Bilawal
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    "Advance Australia Fair" - Australia
    jjron · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This anthem is a symbol of Australian pride and is often played at national events. It has a catchy tune and is sung in English.
    Advance Australia Fair is the national anthem of Australia. It is a patriotic song that reflects the values and aspirations of the Australian people. The anthem is sung to celebrate the country and its culture during official events and national occasions.
    • Adopted: 1984
    • Language: English
    • Original Title: Song of Australia
    • Official Lyrics: Yes
    • Official Music: Yes

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Ranking factors for popular national anthem

  1. Melody
    The melody of the national anthem should be easy to remember and pleasant to listen to, reflecting the country's culture and history.
  2. Lyrics
    The lyrics should be meaningful, patriotic, and inspire unity among the citizens. They should reflect the nation's values, history, and culture.
  3. Emotional impact
    A great national anthem should elicit strong emotions, such as pride, unity, and love for one's country.
  4. Singability
    A popular national anthem should be relatively easy for the average individual to sing, with a limited range of notes and simple melodies.
  5. Recognition
    The anthem should be easily recognizable, both within the country and internationally, as a symbol of national identity.
  6. Historical significance
    How the anthem came to be chosen, its role during pivotal moments in the nation's history, and its connection to the country's struggle for independence or unity can all contribute to its popularity.
  7. Reception
    The general perception of the national anthem by both the citizens of the country and the international community should be taken into account. This may include polls, surveys, or general popularity as expressed in different media outlets.
  8. Adaptability
    A great national anthem should be versatile enough to be performed in different arrangements, such as orchestral, choral, or solo performances, and still maintain its emotional impact and identity.
  9. Official status
    The anthem's official standing within the country and its widespread use during national events play a role in its overall popularity.
  10. Cultural impact
    The influence of the national anthem on the country's art, music, and popular culture should also be considered in determining its popularity. This may include how often it is performed, referenced, or integrated into other works of art.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular 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

  • 2606 views
  • 151 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.

More information on most popular national anthem

Background Information: National Anthems National anthems are patriotic songs that are typically played or sung at official ceremonies and events to represent a country's values and history. They often reflect the cultural and historical significance of a nation, and serve as a symbol of national pride. The use of national anthems dates back to the 18th century, when they were first introduced in Europe as a way to inspire national unity and promote patriotic sentiment. Today, most countries have their own national anthem, with some having multiple versions or variations. National anthems vary greatly in style and tone, ranging from solemn and traditional to upbeat and modern. Some are purely instrumental, while others have lyrics that celebrate the country's history, culture, and people. Many national anthems have become iconic cultural symbols and are recognized around the world. In fact, some national anthems have even been used as inspiration for popular songs, movies, and other forms of art. With so many different national anthems to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, by examining factors such as cultural significance, global recognition, and popularity among citizens, it is possible to identify some of the most beloved national anthems in the world.

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