Suicidal behaviour in western Ethiopia was studied from 1966 to 1972 by collecting data from hospital journals & postmortem records. The suicide rate was found to be at least 3-11 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, which is higher than is usually reported from Africa. As many women as men commit suicide, & the incidence is highest in the 19-24 yr. old age group & lowest in the oldest age group. Urban areas have the highest incidence with hanging the most frequent method used by both sexes.