Suicide worldwide in 2021: global health estimates
An estimated 727 000 persons died by suicide in 2021. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds; second for females, third for males. More than half of global suicides (56%) happened before the age of 50 years, and the majority of suicides occurred in low-and-middle-income countries (73%). The reduction of suicide rates is an indicator in the UN SDGs, the WHO GPW14 and the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. Information on data and statistics is necessary for advocacy, information and planning purposes. This document provides this essential information in an accessible and digestible format. Target audiences are governments, policy makers, development agencies, health workers, academics, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, journalists/media, and the general public.
WHO
2025