Channel separating southeast India from the island of Sri Lanka, lying north of the sandbanks known as Adam's Bridge, which separates it from the Gulf of Mannar; it is 53 km/33 mi at the narrowest point. It was named by the Dutch after Governor Palk.
White stands for the snowy peaks of the Andes. Red symbolizes the blood shed by the freedom fighters. Blue represents the clear Andean skies. Effective date: c. 18 October 1817.