This study examined suicide rates in different regions of the former USSR. The periods studied were 1922-35 & 1965-68 for Estonia, 1968-90 for the 3 Baltic states, & 1984-90 for all 15 republics. The influence of sociopolitical & economic factors on suicide trends was explored. Suicide rates were found to vary widely between the republics with the highest rates in the Baltic & Slavic regions. The marked downward trend of male suicide rates coincided with sociopolitical & economic changes.