Top 10 Countries With Highest Suicide Rates In The World: Know Where India Ranks | World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Highest Suicide Rates In The World:  In the modern era, concerning Suicide rates are rapidly increasing, despite increasing mental health awareness efforts. These increasing Suicide rates can be due to several reasons, from social to economic factors. Suicide is a recurring issue that not just affects the individual but also families and communities worldwide. However, it is still preventable, with more efforts and reforms that will prioritise mental well-being as much as physical health of the people. Knowing about recent suicide statistics is important for suicide prevention policies and awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. More than 720,000 people die due to suicide across the globe. Certain nations still experience very high suicide rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) keeps updating worldwide suicide statistics in terms of Age-Standardised suicide rates per 100,000 population. According to this, based on the WHO’s 2021 data, here are the top 10 nations with the highest suicide rates worldwide and where India is placed on the global ranking.

List Of Top 10 Countries With The Highest Suicide Rates In The World: 

Which Are The Top 10 Countries With The Highest Suicide Rates In The World? 

1. Lesotho

Lesotho, situated in Southern Africa, has the highest suicide rate in the world, which is around 36.7 per 100,000 people. All due to high rates of poverty, unemployment and HIV, which is a prevalent healthcare challenge. Additionally, the scarcity of quality healthcare support adds to mental health issues here.

2. Eswatini

Eswatini has the second-largest suicide rate in the world, with around 31.8 per 100,000 people. All due to poverty, a deteriorating healthcare system, and a very limited number of mental health facilities. Eswatini was formerly known as Swaziland.

3. Guyana

Guyana is a country in South America with the third-highest suicide rates in the world, which is around 26.3 per 100,000 people. The nation is on the list due to plenty of reasons, such as stigma related to mental illness, discouraging individuals from obtaining assistance, along with alcoholism, financial difficulties, and family issues.

4. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is also one of the countries with the highest suicide rates, which is around 25.4 per 100,000 people. All are impacted by decades-long economic uncertainty, unemployment, and a lack of healthcare facilities.

5. Solomon Islands

This Pacific island country, Solomon Islands, is on the list due to concerning issues like unemployment, drug abuse, and mental illness, which have landed it on the list of the highest suicide rates, accounting for the rate of 22.5 per 100,000 people.

6. Suriname

Suriname is situated in South America, and has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, which is around 22.5 per 100,000 people, the same as Solomon Islands. Poor mental healthcare system, limited awareness, and cultural beliefs are factors leading to an increase in suicide cases.

7. Uruguay

Uruguay is on the list, with 22.0 high suicide rates, all due to prevalent urban stress, family issues, and isolation.

8. South Africa

South Africa's poverty, violence, and mental health stigma are contributing factors in the nation's concerning suicide rate of 21.1 per 100,000 people. Here, young people are especially at risk, showing the need for improved outreach programs and support structures.

9. Micronesia (Federated States of)

Micronesia (Federated States of) is a Pacific island country that has reported high youth suicide rates of 20.8 per 100,000 people. Cultural stress, poor job opportunities, and poor healthcare facilities significantly account for the rate.

10. Republic of Korea (South Korea)

South Korea is the only developed nation on the list. Academic pressure, work-related stress, and social isolation are the significant reasons that contribute to the high suicide rates of 20.6. Despite an advanced healthcare system, cultural stigma keeps people away from opting for mental health care.

Also Read: State-Wise Mental Health And Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers In India

India's Ranking On The Global Highest Suicide Rate List

India is not in the list of countries with the highest suicide rates in the world. Instead, the country of billions ranks way below, with a suicide rate of 12.6 per 100,000 people. However, among South Asian countries, India ranks with a suicide rate of 22.2, due to its population size. Additionally, challenges like social stigma, financial distress, examination stress, and mental health problems continue to be the most prevalent factors impacting the nationwide mental health.