CP violation and the CKM matrix: impact of the asymmetric B Factories

An up-to-date profile of the CKM matrix is presented, with emphasis on the interpretation of recent CP-violation results from the $B$ factories. The apex of the Unitarity Triangle is determined by a global CKM fit. A study is performed to probe the dynamics of B decays into $\pi\pi$, $K\pi$, $\rho\pi$ and $\rho\rho$ within two theoretical frameworks. A model-independent investigation of New Physics effects in $\Bz\Bzb$ mixing is given.