A review of the current status of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix (CKM)
is presented. This paper is an update of the results published in [1]. The
experimental constraints imposed by the measurements of \epsilon_K,
V_{ub}/V_{cb}, \Delta m_d and from the limit on \Delta m_d are used. Values of
the constraints and of the parameters entering into the constraints, which
restrict the range of the \bar{\rho} and \bar{\eta} parameters, include recent
measurements presented at 1998 Summer Conferences and progress obtained by
lattice QCD collaborations. The results are: \bar{\rho}=0.202
^{+0.053}_{-0.059},\bar{\eta}=0.340 \pm 0.035, from which the angles \alpha,
\beta and \gamma of the unitarity triangle are inferred : \sin 2 \alpha = -0.26
^{+ 0.29}_{-0.28} ,\sin 2 \beta = 0.725 ^{+0.050}_{-0.060} ,\gamma=
(59.5^{+8.5}_{-7.5})^{\circ}. Without using the constraint from \epsilon_K,
\sin 2 \beta has been obtained: \sin 2 \beta = 0.72 ^{+0.07}_{-0.11}. Several
external measurements or theoretical inputs have been removed, in turn, from
the constraints and their respective probability density functions have been
obtained. Central values and uncertainties on these quantities have been
compared with actual measurements or theoretical evaluations. In this way it is
possible to quantify the importance of the different measurements and the
coherence of the Standard Model scenario for CP violation. An important result
is that \Delta m_s is expected to be between [12.0-17.6] ps^{-1} with 68% C.L.
and <20 ps^{-1} at 95% C.L. Finally relations between the CKM parameters and
the quark masses are examined within a given model.Comment: 26 page