An up-to-date determination of the CKM matrix elements and of the unitarity triangle on the basis of the available experimental results

The results of a critical review of the experimental sources that provide information on the CKM matrix are presented. Direct determinations of the matrix elements and indirect constraints (B-meson mixing, CP violation measurements, b --> s gamma Penguin decays) updated taking into account the most recent experimental results: are included in a unitarity-constrained fit to determine the shape of the unitarity triangle. The following best values are found for the parameters describing the observable CP asymmetries which are expected in B decays: sin 2 alpha = -0.11(-0.22)(+0.20), sin 2 beta = 0.725(-0.046)(+0.044), gamma = (63.7(-7.0)(+5.3))(o).