NICOSIA, Cyprus – September 10, 2026: Cyprus ranked last in a European evaluation that has a specific human value; it had the lowest rate in the EU in terms of suicide deaths in 2023, as reported by Eurostat on September 9, 2026.
The island registered 3.5 applications of self-inflicted deaths in every 100,000 residents. The EU’s average standard age-adjusted rate stood at 10.4 per 100,000. Greece follows it with a rate of 4.3, while Malta registered 5.5.
Comparing it at the top of the table, Lithuania has the highest rate in the EU with the astounding number of 18.8 deaths per 100,000 people; Slovenia follows closely at 16.4 and Hungary with 16.1. Therefore, the case of Cyprus is reported as less than one-fifth of that of Lithuania in 2023.
The statistics tell a far-reaching European tale. The 2023 suicide statistics indicate that in the 27-member Union 48,370 people committed suicide in 2023, or almost 1% of the total number of deaths. The standardised EU suicide rate saw its continual decline, with the rate dropping from 12.2 per 100,000 in 2013 to 10.6 in 2022 and 10.4 in 2023.
Cyprus is an exception since this country has been ranking constantly low on the EU list throughout the years. Eurostat reported Cyprus’ standardised suicide rate to be 3.5 per 100,000 in 2020 and 4.1 in 2022, which means the result is not a sudden increase but rather a part of the country’s relatively low suicide rates.
Nevertheless, a single statistic does not provide a clear indication why a particular country has fewer suicides compared to others. This information counts deaths but does not clarify the reasons for these deaths. The numbers raise questions about mental health issues, social support, and the services available in the country, as well as the experiences of people living there.
As for Cyprus, the good news here is that this country can serve as a reminder to other countries in Europe that every number also stands for a life.
