What Do You Know... About Your National Anthem?

National anthems denote patriotism and great pride in a country and its people and are usually played during international sporting events and medal ceremonies. The lyrics can talk about the history, culture and even politics of a country but some national anthems stand out for more than just the meaning of their lyrics.

Did you know that the national anthem of Spain has no words? That France's national anthem called La Marseillaise, inspired revolutionaries in Greece and Russia? Or even that American singer/songwriter and actor, Harry Belafonte wrote the lyrics to the national anthem for Barbados simply because he happened to be on holiday there once?

Listen to a few national anthems and read about their history>>