A survey of varicose veins in a rural area of northern New Guinea showed a very low prevalence in women (0.1 per cent in females aged 20 and over) and a modest prevalence in men (5.1 per cent in the same age range). The people lacked factors of diet, body bulk and tight clothing that have been postulated to be important in other populations. Multi-parity, leg trauma and heavy lifting were present but did not accord with the sex difference in prevalence. Sitting habits may be important in the aetiology of varicose veins in this population.