Oldest national anthems

The words of Japan's anthem "Kimigayo" were taken from the Kokin Wakashū, a collection of waka poetry published in the 9th century CE, although they were not set to music until 1880, and not formally adopted as the national anthem until 1888. The anthem of the Netherlands, "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe" or just "Wilhelmus", has the oldest music: a tune taken from a French anti-Protestant song known as "Chartres" that was first written down in 1574, and used unofficially as the anthem from the 17th century before being finally adopted formally in 1932. Of the four wordless national anthems, the oldest is that of Spain, "La Marcha Real", dating from 1770.

The oldest authorized national anthem in continuous use is arguably Spain's "La Marcha Real", as it has been played on state occasions since 1770, when it was known as the "Marcha de Granaderos" and decreed as the official "Honour March" by Charles III. It was formally adopted as the country's national anthem in 1871. Attempts were made to add lyrics to the March but these failed to be sanctioned so it remains one of just four wordless anthems.