Irish eyes are smiling in March.

• Position: BY THE NUMBERS - Brief article

Congress proclaimed March as IrishAmerican Heritage Month to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1991, and the president annually issues a proclamation marking the occasion. Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish.

33.1 million, or 10.4%

Number and percentage of U.S. residents who claim Irish ancestrymore than seven times the population of Ireland (4.6 million).

125,022

Number of U.S. residents who were born in Ireland.

363,045

Number of Irish-Americans living in New York City, home to the world's oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade, which first took place on March 17, 1762.

40.1 years old

Median age of those who claim Irish ancestry-higher than the median for all U.S. residents (37.7).

20,590

Estimated number of U.S. residents who speak Irish Gaelic. All but 2,500 of them also speak English "very...