Notes:

The calculations of population mortality rates are based on 2003 population sizes as reported by Eurostat.

The information refers 1990 or the closest year for which information on the deceased's characteristics was available.

Toxicology is computed as valid percentages, over the cases with known toxicology. The computation basis for toxicology should be obtained by (No. of DRD) x (% known toxicology).

(1) In Spain the population included is that corresponding to the coverage of information on drug-related deaths (five cities)

(2) For Portugal the age groups 15 to 39 and 15 to 64 should be interpreted as 20 to 39 and 20 to 45+

It is important to underline that comparisons of population rates should be made with extreme caution since there are still some differences in case definitions and quality of reporting may be different.

See also 'General notes for interpreting data' on the Explanatory notes and help page.

Sources:

Reitox national reports 2005, taken from national mortality registries or special registries (forensic or police). Based on ‘National definitions’ as presented in Drug related deaths – methods and definitions.

Populations and total numbers of death for the EU countries are extracted from Eurostat, for the last year available.