10 Countries With The Highest Suicide Rates in The World

Suicide is a global public health issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 800,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide each year. Although suicide rates vary from country to country, some nations have higher incidences of suicide than others. In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries with the highest suicide rates in 2023.

10. Lesotho (72.4 suicides per 100,000 population)

Lesotho, a landlocked country in southern Africa, has the highest suicide rate in the world. The country faces various challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and political instability, which may contribute to the high suicide rate.

9. Guyana (40.3 suicides per 100,000 population)

Guyana, a South American country, has the second-highest suicide rate globally. Factors such as drug abuse, high levels of poverty, and a shortage of mental health services may contribute to the high suicide rate in Guyana.

8. Eswatini (29.4 suicides per 100,000 population)

Eswatini, another southern African country, ranks third in terms of suicide rate. The nation faces challenges such as poverty, high levels of HIV/AIDS, and limited access to mental health services, which may contribute to the high suicide rate.

7. South Korea (28.6 suicides per 100,000 population)

In Asia, South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates. The country faces challenges such as economic uncertainty, a highly competitive job market, and high levels of stress, which may contribute to the high suicide rate.

6. Kiribati (28.3 suicides per 100,000 population)

Kiribati, a small island nation in the central Pacific, ranks fifth in terms of suicide rate. Factors such as limited resources, climate change impact, and social challenges may contribute to the high suicide rate in Kiribati.

5. Federated States of Micronesia (28.2 suicides per 100,000 population)

The Federated States of Micronesia, located in the western Pacific Ocean, has a relatively high suicide rate. The country faces challenges such as poverty, limited access to mental health services, and cultural factors that may influence suicide rates.

4. Lithuania (26.1 suicides per 100,000 population)

Lithuania, a country in northeastern Europe, has a significant suicide rate. The prevalence of factors like alcoholism, drug abuse, and socioeconomic challenges contribute to the high suicide rate in Lithuania.

3. Suriname (25.4 suicides per 100,000 population)

Suriname, a country in South America, ranks eighth in terms of suicide rate. Cultural traditions, social problems, and poverty are contributing factors to the high suicide rate in Suriname.

2. Russia (25.1 suicides per 100,000 population)

Russia, the largest country in the world, faces a substantial suicide rate. Factors such as alcoholism, socioeconomic challenges, and limited mental health resources contribute to the high suicide rate in Russia.

1. South Africa (23.5 suicides per 100,000 population)

South Africa, a country in southern Africa, completes the list with a high suicide rate. Factors such as economic disparities, high levels of violence, and limited mental health services contribute to the high suicide rate in South Africa.

The high suicide rates in these countries emphasize the need for increased awareness and efforts to prevent suicide. Governments and healthcare organizations should invest in mental health services, suicide prevention programs, and support for individuals at risk to help reduce the incidence of suicide. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to these rates, these countries can work towards a future with lower suicide rates and improved mental health for their populations.