Suicide Rates Around the World

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day as organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme in 2021 is 'creating hope through action' which "reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments- can take action to prevent suicide."

As this chart shows, suicide rates vary greatly around the world but one pattern is to be observed all around the world. As this infographic using WHO estimates shows, suicide rates for men are significantly higher in most countries. Of the 15 looked at here, Russia and South Africa have the highest rates among men, at 38.2 and 37.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2019, respectively. For women, South Korea and India have the highest rates, with 13.4 and 11.4.

If you or somebody you know are in need of help, you can find a list of suicide crisis lines and website for countries around the world here.