Epidemiologic information on suicide for the whole of the USSR & its constituent republics was presented in this session. Rates in 1990, the last year of the Soviet Union’s existence, were 34.4/100,000 for males & 9.1/100,000 for females. Male suicide rates varied quite widely between republics, ranging from 2.6 in Azerbaijan to 44.3 in Lithuania. Female rates were lower than males & less variable. The effects of cultural background on suicide attitudes & behaviours were discussed.