In a study of suicide in Singapore in 1980 there were 230 cases & the suicide rate for the general population was 9.5/100000. The age-specific rates increased steeply after 50 yrs & there was a male preponderance especially in the age group 60 yrs & over. Comparing the 3 major ethnic groups in Singapore, the highest rate was seen in the Indians & Chinese, whereas the Malays had the lowest. Amongst the suicides there were 59 with mental illness & there were of a younger age group (20-39).