The incidence of cleft lip and palate was studied in six maternity clinics in Northern Sweden for the period 1958–1970. By comparisons of the records at the maternity clinics and the local Cleft Palate Center, it was found that about 5% of the cleft defects were missed in the registration of newborns. The incidence of isolated cleft palate was significantly higher in Northern Sweden compared to that in Central and South Sweden, while there was no significant regional difference for cleft lip with or without cleft palat