- Location: Situated in the vast delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers; extends across southern West Bengal in India and southwestern Bangladesh, creating one of the most extensive and dynamic coastal ecosystems in the world.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Inscribed in 1987 in recognition of its exceptional universal value, particularly its unique mangrove ecosystem, extraordinary biodiversity, and critical habitat for endangered species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Biosphere Reserve (India): Officially declared by the Government of India in 1989 to promote conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research within the Indian portion of the Sundarbans region.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2001 under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, highlighting its importance as a living laboratory for ecological conservation, climate resilience, and harmonious human–nature interaction.
- Ramsar Site: Designated in 2019 under the Ramsar Convention for its international significance as a wetland ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life, migratory birds, and coastal biodiversity.
- Area: Covers approximately 10,000 sq. km in total; nearly 60% lies within Bangladesh (mainly in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts), while about 40% falls in India (primarily in the South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal).
- National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries: The Indian section includes Sundarbans National Park (core protected area), Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary (important for birdlife and interpretation center), Lothian Wildlife Sanctuary, and Haliday Wildlife Sanctuary, all contributing to habitat protection and species conservation.
- Rivers: Formed by the confluence and distributaries of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems, creating a constantly shifting delta landscape characterized by tidal waterways, mudflats, creeks, estuaries, and brackish water channels.
- Plants: Dominated by mangrove species such as Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Goran, Keora, Hental, Passur, Nypa Palm, along with various shrubs, grasses, and ferns adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions.
- Animals: Home to the iconic Bengal Tiger, along with Dugong, Ganges River Dolphin, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Mangrove Pitta, Estuarine Crocodile, Green Sea Turtle, spotted deer, wild boar, and numerous species of fish, crabs, and migratory birds.
- Famous Features: Recognized as the largest mangrove forest in the world; named after the dominant Sundari trees; serves as a natural shield protecting coastal communities from cyclones, tidal surges, storm waves, and shoreline erosion while supporting millions of people through fisheries and forest resources.