HANNOVER Expo 2000, the next world exhibition, is still a thing of the future. But on the Internet, it's already reality. Expo 2000 will take place in the German city of Hannover from June 1 to October 31, 2000, and will host an estimated 40 million people from around the world to display exhibits and discuss themes such as humankind, nature, and technology.<170> The exhibition's official Web site, available in English, German, French, and Spanish, at http://www.expo.hannover.de, is already in full operation.

Among many other attractions, it offers a tour of Hannover's Convention Center near the River Leine and a map indicating the locations of different pavilions that will house exhibits. There is also an introduction to the exposition's theme park, which covers an area of 100,000 square meters. The park will offer a glimpse into the 21st century. Information about the history of the world exhibition is also available on the site, as are details about admission fees and directions to the Convention Center. The sponsors of the expo have gone to great length to present the exhibition on the Web using all available multi- media effects.

A camera transmits images from the Convention Center to the Web, while another camera shows the expo cafe. An expo screen saver can also be downloaded for free, and Web surfers can take a virtual walk through the exhibition's grounds. A link called expo for kids includes a number of games. Children can send e-mail to the Mascot of the expo, Twipsy, at the following address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfollowing address: twipsyfoll (DPA)