<h4>Introduction to the Sundarbans</h4><p>The <strong>Sundarbans</strong> represents the <strong>largest contiguous mangrove forest</strong> in the world. It is a vast region characterized by an intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands covered by salt-tolerant mangrove forests.</p><h4>Geographical Location and Formation</h4><p>This unique ecosystem is situated on the expansive <strong>delta</strong> formed by the confluence of three major rivers: the <strong>Ganges</strong>, <strong>Brahmaputra</strong>, and <strong>Meghna</strong>.</p><p>Its geographical spread lies across the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong>, shared between India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh.</p><div class="info-box"><p><strong>Location:</strong> Delta of <strong>Ganges</strong>, <strong>Brahmaputra</strong>, and <strong>Meghna</strong> rivers.</p><p><strong>Region:</strong> <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong>, spanning India and Bangladesh.</p></div><h4>The Mangrove Ecosystem</h4><p>The <strong>Sundarbans</strong> is globally renowned for hosting the <strong>largest mangrove forests</strong>, which are crucial for ecological balance and biodiversity.</p><p>A <strong>mangrove ecosystem</strong> is a highly specialized type of environment that thrives in specific conditions.</p><div class="key-point-box"><p><strong>Definition:</strong> It exists as an interface, or transitional zone, precisely <strong>between the land and the sea</strong>.</p></div><p>These ecosystems are predominantly found in particular climatic zones, adapting to unique environmental stressors.</p><div class="info-box"><p><strong>Climatic Zones:</strong> Primarily located in <strong>tropical</strong> and <strong>subtropical regions</strong> worldwide.</p></div><div class="exam-tip-box"><p>Understanding the <strong>unique geographical setting</strong> and the <strong>specialized nature of mangrove ecosystems</strong> is vital for questions on coastal ecology and biodiversity in <strong>UPSC Prelims (GS Paper I)</strong> and <strong>Mains (GS Paper III)</strong>.</p></div>