This study examines the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts across 17 countries, including both high-income and low- and middle-income nations. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was found to be 9.2%, 3.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. Key risk factors included being female, younger age, lower education level, unmarried status, and the presence of mental disorders. Notably, 60% of transitions from ideation to plan and attempt occurred within the first year after ideation onset. In high-income countries, mood disorders were the strongest diagnostic risk factors, while in low- and middle-income countries, impulse control disorders were the primary risk factors. The study highlights the importance of cross-national variability in prevalence and risk factors, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies.This study examines the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts across 17 countries, including both high-income and low- and middle-income nations. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was found to be 9.2%, 3.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. Key risk factors included being female, younger age, lower education level, unmarried status, and the presence of mental disorders. Notably, 60% of transitions from ideation to plan and attempt occurred within the first year after ideation onset. In high-income countries, mood disorders were the strongest diagnostic risk factors, while in low- and middle-income countries, impulse control disorders were the primary risk factors. The study highlights the importance of cross-national variability in prevalence and risk factors, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies.