Unveiling Tales Embedded in National Anthems

In a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have discovered that national anthems across the globe reflect both geographical and cultural characteristics of nations in their musical expression. The study, conducted using artificial intelligence, analysed the musical and emotional characteristics of the anthems of 176 countries worldwide.

Countries closer to the equator tend to have a higher degree of musical energy and dynamics in their anthems, while anthems of nations at higher latitudes are quieter and more relaxed. This geographical distribution is mirrored in the emotional profiles of the anthems, with northern countries having more sad anthems, and equatorial and southern countries having more joyful anthems.

In the eastern hemisphere, national anthems with a positive basic mood prevail. However, emotions like anger and fear show an east-west distribution, with these feelings appearing mainly in the anthems of countries in the western hemisphere. Particularly high levels of anger are shown by the anthems of Qatar, Sudan, and Nigeria, while the national anthems of Qatar, Jamaica, and Liechtenstein bear witness to strong fear.

The most joyful state anthems are those of Western Sahara and China, while the saddest are those of Japan, Israel, and Liechtenstein. Anthems from Oceania express the most joy, while anthems from North and South America are generally more tense, anxious, and negative.

The study also found that culture and societal form have a great influence on the national anthem. Collectivist countries with strong hierarchy and large power gaps have more energetic, powerful anthems, while more individualistic cultures with flat hierarchies and high autonomy of the population have anthems with less percussion, which are softer, quieter, and less tense.

Compliant societies that emphasize the enjoyment and satisfaction of desires tend to have anthems that express a higher degree of fear. Conversely, societies that value independence and self-reliance tend to have anthems that express more joy and hope.

The German national anthem does not stand out in any emotional category and shows mixed features: It tends to be more solemn, but also has a positive basic mood. The study suggests that national anthems reflect not necessarily the current or past mood and identification of the population with their anthems, but more broadly the geographic and cultural characteristics of nations through their musical expression.

Dr. Petri Toiviainen, the lead researcher on the study, recommends further investigation into how national anthems reflect these broader cultural and geographic characteristics, and how they have evolved over time. The study opens up exciting new avenues for research into the role of music in shaping and reflecting national identity.