A simulation model is used to investigate the potential for indigenous spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the heterosexual population in Norway. The heterosexual population is grouped according to age, sex and whether paired or single. Estimates of various parameters of sexual behaviour are taken from a population-based questionnaire study. The questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 10,000 individuals, with a response rate of 63 per cent. The main simulation result is that with no inflow of infection from other risk groups, the heterosexual epidemic will decline if the average transmission probability per intercourse is 1 per cent or less. This result is insensitive to changes in the initial conditions. It is sensitive to changes in sexual behaviour, and to the shape of the transmission probability distribution. A review of empirical partner study data indicates an average transmission probability about 0.1 per cent per intercourse when no transmission modulating cofactors are present. It is concluded that with present sexual behaviour, the indigenous spread of HIV is not likely to sustain an epidemic in the Norwegian heterosexual population.