A
national anthem (also
state anthem,
national hymn, national song etc.) is a generally
patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's
government as the official national
song, or by
convention through use by the people. The majority of national anthems are either
marches or
hymns in style. The countries of
Latin America tend towards more
operatic pieces, while a handful of countries use a simple
fanfare.