The incidence of suicide in the 15-24 age group reported by 70 member states to WHO for 1972-84 was examined. The suicide rate has a large range varying between 0 & 700/1000000 for males & 0 & 550 for females. As a cause of death suicide is unimportant in developing countries. Unlike the European pattern, the female suicide rate is greater in some Latin American & Asian countries. The mean suicide rate after increasing in the late 70s has declined, although not to the original level. 4 refs.