Examined the incidence of suicide in 15-24 yr olds as reported by 70 member states (predominantly European with some Asian) to the World Health Organization during 1972-1984. The suicide rate varied between zero and 700 per million for males and zero and 550 for females. Northern and Eastern European states tended to have the higher rates. Lower rates were associated with Arab and Roman Catholic influences, with some exceptions. Unlike the familiar European pattern, the female suicide rate was greater than the male rate for some Latin American and Asian countries.