National Anthems of the World
Lyrics, translations, meaning and history for every country · 48 anthems and growing
National anthems are the official songs of the world's nations — some are centuries-old hymns, others were written in living memory, but each one distils a country's story, struggles and hopes into a few unforgettable lines. On LyricsSol we are building a page for every country's anthem, with the original lyrics (where they are in the public domain), a romanised version, an English translation, and the meaning and history behind the music.
Frequently asked questions
What is a national anthem?
A national anthem is a country's official patriotic song — an expression of its history, identity and values, performed at state, civic and sporting occasions.
Are national anthem lyrics free to read?
Many national anthems are old enough to be in the public domain, so their full lyrics can be shared freely. Newer or recently adopted anthems may still be under copyright; for those we show the meaning and history rather than the full lyrics.
What is the oldest national anthem?
The Netherlands' "Wilhelmus" is generally considered the oldest national anthem by melody and lyrics, while "God Save the King" was among the first to be used as a national anthem in the modern sense.