Japan has the 10th highest suicide rate in the world, and ranks top among advanced nations, the World Health Organization reports. In a report released ahead of World Suicide Day on Friday, the WHO says Japan has 24.1 suicides per 100,000 people. The country jumped from 23rd place in 1996, because of a sharp rise in suicides among men aged between 45 and 64. The WHO said harsh economic conditions were the most probable factor affecting the increase, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday. Figures from 99 countries indicated Lithuania had the highest suicide rate, with 44.7 per 100,000, followed by Russia with a rate of 38.7. Among advanced nations, the United States had 10.4 and Britain 7.5 per 100,000. The WHO says one million people worldwide commit suicide every year, more than the number murdered and killed in armed conflicts. © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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