National anthems around the world

Most nation states have an anthem, defined as "a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism"; most anthems are either marches or hymns in style. A song or hymn can become a national anthem under the state's constitution, by a law enacted by its legislature, or simply by tradition. National anthems are usually written in the most common language of the state. It is common for the lyrics and melody of a national anthem to be created separately many years apart by entirely different people.