Suicide Rates by Country, Age, Sex, since 1990

This bar chart race shows estimated suicide rates by country/territory and world, sex and age, per 100,000, from 1990 to 2019. Numbers are age-standardized.

Suicide is here defined and classified as deaths caused by intentional self-harm. However, the legal definition and classification may differ between countries. Some countries may underestimate, while others overestimate. For comparison, the estimation method have taken these issues into account.

Suicide is a serious and complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. In fact, every year, over 700,000 people die by suicide, which equates to one person every 40 seconds.

Suicide rates vary by country, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. In the United States, suicide rates have been steadily increasing over the past decade, with suicide now ranking as the 10th leading cause of death. In 2019, there were 47,511 suicides in the US alone, with men accounting for 69% of all suicide deaths. The highest suicide rates in the US are among adults aged 45-54, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34.

In other parts of the world, suicide rates are even higher. For example, in Japan, suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 20-44, with suicide rates more than twice as high as those in the United States. In South Korea, suicide rates have increased significantly over the past few decades, with suicide now the leading cause of death among those aged 10-39.

There are many factors that can contribute to suicide risk, including mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, a history of trauma or abuse, chronic pain or illness, and social isolation or loneliness. In addition, individuals who have experienced a recent loss or significant life change, such as a job loss or divorce, may be at increased risk for suicide.

It is important to note that suicide is preventable, and there are many resources available for individuals who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Mental health professionals can provide support and treatment for individuals with mental health conditions, while crisis hotlines and suicide prevention organizations can provide immediate help for individuals in crisis.

There are also steps that individuals can take to help prevent suicide. One of the most important things that you can do is to educate yourself about suicide and its risk factors. This can help you identify warning signs in yourself or in others, and take action to get help when needed.

In addition, it is important to maintain strong social connections and to seek out support when you are going through a difficult time. This can include reaching out to friends and family, joining a support group, or talking to a mental health professional.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it is important to seek help immediately. You can contact a crisis hotline, or reach out to a mental health professional for support.

Overall, suicide is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. By understanding the risk factors for suicide and taking steps to prevent it, we can help to save lives and create a world where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death.

Data source:
Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network.
Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) Results.
Seattle, United States: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), 2020

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