Donald Trump has been elected the 45th president of the United States, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in a remarkable upset that defied pre-election polls and expectations.
The Republican nominee swept key battleground states including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, securing the 270 electoral college votes needed to win the White House. His victory in Wisconsin put him over the threshold late on Tuesday night.
In his victory speech, Mr Trump called for national unity, saying Americans must 'bind the wounds of division' after a bitter campaign. He pledged to be president for all Americans and promised to deal fairly with the international community while putting America's interests first.
Hillary Clinton conceded defeat in a telephone call to Mr Trump and is due to make her first public statement in New York. Outgoing President Barack Obama congratulated his successor and invited him to the White House on Thursday to discuss the transition.
Mr Trump will take office in January with Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, as the party unexpectedly retained control of the Senate and House of Representatives. Global markets initially fell sharply on the news but later recovered.
World leaders reacted to the result, with British Prime Minister Theresa May emphasising the 'enduring and special relationship' between the UK and US. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for improved ties, while German officials warned US foreign policy may become less predictable.
