CENTURY'S LAST WORLD FAIR HIGHLIGHTS YEAR OF THE OCEAN The oceans are the focus of the century's last world fair. "Oceans, A Heritage for the Future," is the theme of Expo ‘98 in Lisbon, Portugal. The expo has several sub-themes, which will be reflected in pavilions at the fair. The sub-themes are: knowledge of the seas, and the ocean's resources; the oceans and the ecological balance of the planet; oceans and leisure; and oceans, source of artistic inspiration. Portugal is an appropriate host for this expo since Portugal hosted an international exposition in 1498 to commemorate the arrival in India of a Portuguese fleet commanded by Vasco da Gama. De Gama's explorations made possible the kind of ocean commerce most countries employ today. The expo is expecting attendance by 151 countries, nine international organizations, eight national organizations and several companies. For more information contact Helen Mitternight at (202) 482-6090.

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