The main aim of this study was to facilitate access to comprehensive and comparable information on the current and past extent of mangroves in the 124 countries and areas where mangroves are known to exist, highlighting information gaps and providing updated information that may serve as a tool for mangrove managers and policy- and decision-makers worldwide. The study presents a global overview of mangrove vegetation, species composition and distribution, together with an indication of the main uses and threats in each region. It focuses on present and past mangrove area, and does not provide information on the rate of mangrove degradation or fragmentation.