  We review and update the constraints on the parameters of the quark flavour
mixing matrix $V_{CKM}$ in the standard model and estimate the resulting CP
asymmetries in $B$ decays, taking into account recent experimental and
theoretical developments. With the updated CKM matrix we present the
currently-allowed range of the ratios $|V_{td}/V_{ts}|$ and $|V_{td}/V_{ub}|$,
as well as the standard model predictions for the \bsbsbar\ mixing parameter
$\xs$ (or, equivalently, $\delms$) and the quantities $\sin 2\alpha$, $\sin
2\beta$ and $\sin^2\gamma$, which characterize the CP-asymmetries in
$B$-decays.
