Suicide rates vary enormously between regions and countries and even within age groups. Globally, suicide rates are highest in people above 70, but it is the second leading cause of death among youth between 15 and 29, the WHO study notes. The most suicide-prone nations include Guyana (44.2 deaths per 100,000 people), North Korea (38.5) and South Korea (28.9). The global average is 11. India, one of the few countries where suicide is still illegal (and those attempting it are punished), also has a high rate of 21.1. In 2012, nearly 260,000 Indians resorted to the drastic step, taking their own lives.
The report was released just a week before World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed on September 10 every year. The global health body notes that reducing access to means of suicide is one way to reduce deaths, but other effective measures include responsible reporting of suicide in the media (by avoiding language that sensationalises suicides and avoiding explicit description of methods used), and early identification and management of mental and substance use disorders.