The suicide rate in the former Soviet Union rose from 17.1/100,000 inhabitants in 1965 to 29.6 in 1984. In regions of long-standing traditional life styles, strong religious faith, & multi-generation families (the Caucasus & central Asia), the suicide rate was low, whereas in regions with sociopolitical antagonism & forced social changes (the Baltic States), it was high. The suicide rate declined significantly between 1984-88, a period of social democratization & alcohol sale restrictions.