Suicide statistics for 2025

-Automatic translation

In 2025, there were 43 suicides, or 11.0 per 100,000 inhabitants.

It is worth bearing in mind that, due to the nation's small population, small changes in numbers can cause fluctuations in the mortality rate between years. It is therefore important not to interpret the figures for a single year as an indication of an increase or decrease in suicides, but rather to look at a longer period.

Looking at the last five years, i.e. the period 2021–2025, there was an average of 42 suicides per year, or 11.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Dashboard and data processing

Official statistics on suicide are based on information recorded on the death certificates of individuals legally domiciled in Iceland at the time of death, which are registered in the Directorate of Health's Cause of Death Registry. The number of suicides includes deaths where the underlying cause of death on the death certificate is recorded as intentional self-harm (ICD-10 codes: X60–X84).

Detailed statistics on suicide are available on the Directorate of Health website, presented in tables and via an interactive dashboard.

Action plan to reduce suicides in Iceland 2025–2030

Lífsbrú – the Directorate of Health’s centre for suicide prevention – oversees suicide prevention work in Iceland. This work follows the Action plan to reduce suicides in Iceland 2025–2030. The plan is divided into seven sections and contains 26 actions to strengthen suicide prevention, improve support and treatment, and enhance knowledge and awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Four actions have been completed, 13 are in progress, and 9 have not yet started.

You can monitor the status and progress of individual actions in the action plan's interactive dashboard.

Suicide prevention is a joint effort across many ministries, institutions and non-governmental organisations. Suicide statistics provide important information. People of all ages and genders die by suicide. It is also important to take a long-term view and continue targeted actions that contribute to reducing suicides in Iceland.

In Yellow September, the emphasis is on letting love, care and compassion guide us. We can all contribute by being mindful of the well-being of those around us, noticing changes, listening and daring to ask. Sometimes a short conversation can make a big difference – and it's always okay to seek help.

More information
Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, Project Manager, Suicide Prevention
gudrun.j.gudlaugsdottir@landlaeknir.is
Jón Óskar Guðlaugsson, Project Manager, Health Information

People with suicidal thoughts are advised to contact

• The Píeta organisation on 1799

• The Red Cross helpline on 1717 and the online chat at 1717.is

• The Primary Health Care information centre on 1700 and the online chat at heilsuvera.is

• In an emergency, call 112

For support after loss by suicide, please contact

• The Primary Health Care information centre on 1700 and the online chat at heilsuvera.is

• Sorgarmiðstöð (Centre for Grief, Bereavement and Trauma Support) on 551-4141 and sorgarmidstod@sorgarmidstod.is

• The Píeta organisation on 1799

• In an emergency, call 112