[Distribution of suicides in West Germany (1981-1986)]

Based on data from official suicide statistics the suicide rates of all 11 federal states of FRG between the years 1981 to 1986 are analysed. The age-standardised suicide rates show a configuration of high rates in the North of Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen). The lowest rates (total, males and females) were found in Nordrhein-Westfalen. In addition, the influence of religion, unemployment and population density (capital cities) on social suicide rates are empirically demonstrated and discussed.