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.
The emblem reflects the Vatican's importance as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The colours of the flag are based on the gold and silver of the papal keys. Effective date: 8 June 1929.