The proliferation of digital services has led to an increasing demand for secure and reliable digital identity verification, resulting in the development of national digital identity (NDI) systems. These systems provide individuals with a trusted method of verifying their online identity, a necessary prerequisite for accessing a wide range of services, such as banking, healthcare and government services. This review paper takes an in-depth look at the evolution of NDI systems and the advanced technologies that have improved their security and reliability. It looks at the notable NDI systems and digital identity programmes that have been introduced in different countries and analyses both their successes and limitations. In addition, the paper examines emerging technologies such as blockchain and their potential impact on NDI systems. Based on the assessment of these systems and technologies, practical recommendations and best practises are provided for the future development and implementation of NDI systems in other countries.