Rural population growth in Papua New Guinea between the 1980 and 1990 National Population Censuses has been mapped at the census division (CD) level. Some areas of the country, including parts of the highlands and peri?urban CDs, experienced rapid growth over the 10?year period. It appears that processes of change which may have common socioeconomic precursors and attributes are taking place in various parts of the country. In these areas, the implications for future sustainability of village?based food production and cash cropping systems require further investigation.