In the framework of the self-consistent quasi-static theory for the time-dependent evolution of the Earth's magnetotail in quiet times we present a two-dimensional model that describes the tail in the whole region in which it exists as a well-ordered structure. The starting point is the theory by Schindler and Birn (1982) into which we incorporate a description of the distant tail. We present two models, one with a neutral line at infinity, the other with a neutral line at a finite distance. In the latter case, the field structure near the neutral line is Y-shaped, and the neutral line and the point where tail flaring ends have the same x coordinate. The occurrence of large plasma bulk flow velocities at the plasma sheet boundary and their relationship with magnetic reconnection at the distant neutral line is also briefly discussed. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1988