Top 10 countries with highest suicides rates - See global data

Suicide remains a global public health challenge, with wide variation in mortality rates from one country to another.

The numbers below reflect suicide deaths per 100,000 people per year. According to the most recent compilations drawing on World Health Organization (WHO) and related data, the global average is around 16 per 100,000, with roughly one person dying by suicide every 40 seconds worldwide.

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Below, we break down the top ten countries, throwing light on what makes each nation rank where it does.

Greenland reports the highest suicide rate in the world. While small in population (about 50,000), its per-capita figures are driven by concentrated social pressures including high rates of alcohol use, youth unemployment, and limited mental health infrastructure.

Seasonal patterns also appear to matter where studies note that suicides peak in summer months in northern regions.Research also points to factors including social isolation, high alcohol consumption, family conflict, and depression as contributors to the exceptionally high rate. Men, particularly young men, account for a large majority of cases.

South Korea stands out as an economic powerhouse with a persistent mental health burden. Despite high income levels and universal healthcare, its suicide rate has been one of the highest among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries for years.

Reasearch attributes this to intense academic and work pressure, social stigma around mental illness, and high rates among the elderly. Government efforts including crisis hotlines and media guidelines have aimed to reduce stigma and improve access to support, but challenges remain.

Lithuania, just like several Eastern European neighbors reports a suicide rate well above the world average. Historically, parts of Eastern Europe have grappled with economic transition stress, high alcohol use, and limited mental health resources.

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Although rates have declined from peaks in past decades, Lithuania’s figures remain elevated. Social research points to economic insecurity and rural isolation as ongoing factors.

Kazakhstan is another former Soviet republic with a high suicide rate. Emerging Europe data show that rates above 20 per 100,000 are notably clustered in this region.

Underlying risks include alcohol misuse, rapid social change, and uneven access to mental health care, particularly in rural areas. Analyses also note isolation and loss of traditional community structures as contributors.

Ukraine also registers high suicide mortality. While precise socio-political drivers are complex, chronic, rampant instability and stress associated with wartime conditions could exacerbate mental health burdens.

Like other Eastern European nations, Ukrainian suicide rates have historically been higher than global averages, linked to alcohol use and gaps in mental health services.

As an EU member, Slovenia reports one of the higher suicide rates within the bloc. EU health surveillance showed Slovenia near the top of the list with nearly 18.09 per 100,000 in recent years, higher than many neighboring countries.

Urban stress, societal stigma around mental health treatment, and post-transition economic pressures are among factors research examines.

Hungary’s rate remains above the EU average. Historical demographic analyses have explored links between cultural, economic, and historical factors, though genetic theories (such as the controversial Finno-Ugric suicide hypothesis) remain debated. Public health efforts focus on expanding mental health services and destigmatizing treatment.

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Belgium’s suicide rate places it above many Western European peers, though it has declined over the past decade as part of wider EU trends.Factors include social isolation, economic strain, and mental health stigma, particularly among men. Belgium has developed national strategies aimed at prevention and community support.

Japan is frequently cited for its suicide challenges, though its rate, while above the global average, is lower than many Eastern European countries and South Korea.

It has, historically, had strong societal pressures, notably related to work culture, academic stress, and reluctance to seek mental health care.Recent government initiatives, including improved access to care and awareness campaigns, have led to gradual improvements.

Croatia appears in the top ten with rates slightly above the global average. Like other Eastern European countries, Croatia’s figures reflect historical transitions, social stressors, and variation in local mental health infrastructure. Local prevention efforts have prioritized community outreach and crisis support networks.

Differences in data quality and reporting practices should also be acknowledged; many low-and middle-income countries under-report suicide for cultural or administrative reasons.Suicide statistics are not just numbers but signal unmet needs in mental health and social support systems.

As public health bodies continue to refine data collection and invest in prevention, the hope is that future reporting will reflect effective interventions and better well-being for communities worldwide.