Suicide Rates by Country
The World Health Organization (WHO) and various other sources provide information on estimated suicide rates in different countries.
It is crucial to recognize that social stigma, cultural nuances, and legal considerations often lead to unreported suicide rates in many countries. Consequently, these figures should not be used as a basis for direct comparisons, as actual rates remain unknown in many regions.
According to the latest available data, the global suicide rate is estimated to be 9.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating a decrease from the figure of 10.5 in 2016. This change suggests ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing mental health issues around the world. In particular, in rich and modernized countries there is a significant gender disparity in suicidal behavior. While women tend to exhibit higher rates of suicidal thoughts, men experience a higher prevalence of suicide, highlighting what has been called a “silent epidemic.”
A comprehensive study conducted in 2022 reveals a positive trend, indicating a one-third reduction in global age-standardized suicide rates between 1990 and 2024. In 2016, rates stood at approximately 14 deaths per 100,000 men and 6 deaths for every 100,000 women. During the study period, women witnessed a more substantial decline compared to men, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address gender-specific mental health challenges.
Suicide remains a highly stigmatized and condemned issue in many parts of the world, often influenced by religious or cultural beliefs. In certain countries, suicidal behavior is even considered a criminal offense subject to legal consequences. This contributes to the secretive nature of suicide, which is shrouded in taboo, leading to potential underreporting, misclassification, or deliberate concealment in official death records.
Given these challenges, it is important to recognize that suicide rates could be higher than officially measured. Across diverse cultures and backgrounds, men consistently face a higher risk of succumbing to suicide than women, highlighting the urgent need for global attention to suicide prevention and intervention, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Addressing mental health on a global scale remains a critical imperative to foster a society that prioritizes well-being and supports people facing mental health challenges.
Highest Suicide Rate by Country
Lesotho tops the list with the highest suicide rate globally, recording 72.4 suicides per 100,000 people. Guyana is close behind as the second highest country, with 40.3 suicides per 100,000 people. Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is in third position with a suicide rate of 29.4 per 100,000. South Korea ranks fourth, with 28.6 suicides per 100,000 residents, while the Federated States of Micronesia ranks fifth with 28.2 suicides per 100,000 residents. Lithuania is in seventh position with a rate of 26.1, and Suriname follows closely at 25.4 suicides per 100,000 people. Russia is in ninth place with a rate of 25.1 per 100,000 and South Africa rounds out the top ten with a rate of 23.5 suicides per 100,000 people.
Countries with Highest Suicide Rates
The Top 10 countries with highest suicide rates are:
Countries with Lowest Suicide Rates
The top 10 countries with lowest suicide rates are:
Highest Suicide Rates by Country
FAQs
The country with the highest suicide rate is Lesotho, with 72.4 suicides per 100,000 people.
People may commit suicide due to mental health issues, personal struggles, or social isolation, which often arise from a combination of factors that create overwhelming emotional distress. Understanding and addressing these underlying issues is crucial in suicide prevention.
The top 10 suicidal countries in the world are:
1. Lesotho – 72.4 per 100k
2. Guyana – 40.3 per 100k
3. Eswatini – 29.4 per 100k
4. South Korea – 28.6 per 100k
5. Kiribati – 28.3 per 100k
6. Federated States of Micronesia – 28.2 per 100k
7. Lithuania – 26.1 per 100k
8. Suriname – 25.4 per 100k
9. Russia – 25.1 per 100k
10. South Africa – 23.5 per 100k
