US election 2016: Meet the US presidential candidates

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Hillary Clinton (left) and Donald Trump are trying to become the next President of the United States of America - but who will win?

Every four years, people in the United States vote for who they want to be their president.

The person they choose will make decisions about how the US is run and how it works with other countries.

The process to pick a new president is a long one starting in February before building up to election day in November 2016.

Here is Newsround's guide to who may be the next president of the United States.

Image source, US Dept. of State

Hillary Clinton (OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY CANDIDATE)

Political Party

Democrat

Who is she?

Former US Secretary of State, who is the president's top adviser on how the US works with other countries.

She was the First Lady of the United States for eight years, while her husband, Bill Clinton, was the president from 1993 to 2001.

She's 68 and was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Family

Married to former US president Bill Clinton. They have one daughter, Chelsea, and one granddaughter, Charlotte.

Career highlights?

During her four years as Secretary of State, Mrs Clinton visited 112 countries - more than anyone else before her.

She used her position to highlight women's rights and human rights.

Low points?

She ran for president in 2008 but lost in her party's nomination race to Barack Obama.

While serving as Secretary of State, Clinton used a personal e-mail address to carry out work, which reportedly left sensitive information open to cyber attack.

What you might not know about her

Clinton was a Brownie and a Girl Scout during her childhood.

She also packs a small bottle of Tabasco hot sauce whenever she is travelling on the road.

Image source, AP

Donald Trump (OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY CANDIDATE)

Political Party

Republican

Who is he?

One of America's most famous businessmen, who is worth more than 拢3 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Trump also starred on the American reality shows 'The Apprentice' and 'Celebrity Apprentice'. He's 69 and was born in Queens, New York.

Family

He's married to Melania, his third wife, and they have a son called Barron. Trump also has four children from previous marriages called Donald Junior, Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany.

Career highlight?

He leads a successful company that builds hotels, casinos and other property around the world.

Even though he has no previous political experience, Trump was the favourite to become the Republican party's pick for president after winning lots of support from voters.

Biggest blooper?

Trump has upset many people with his controversial ideas and views. He wants to ban Muslims from coming into the US.

He's also keen to build a wall between America and Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants.

What you might not know about him

Trump was a star baseball player at New York Military Academy when he was a teenager.

He has written 16 books to help people learn how to think like a billionaire.