Many communist countries hold internal olympiads in order to identify and thereafter foster special talents. Since 1959 they have held an annual International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) for all European communist countries (except Albania) and subsequently Mongolia, Cuba and Vietnam. Non-communist countries were first invited in 1967 and France, Sweden, Italy and Great Britain accepted the invitation. Italy has dropped out and Austria, Netherlands and USA now regularly participate. Belgium, Finland and, last year, Greece have also taken part. Each country sends a maximum of eight competitors and two adults.