Born in a mixed union between a white American woman and a black Kenyan man, Barack Obama has distinguished himself with a brilliant academic career, from which he has become a lawyer. In 1996, he became Senator of Illinois at the age of 36, then Senator of the United States at age 43. In 2008, at the age of 47, he was elected for the first time President of the United States. He made history by becoming the 44th President and first African-American President of the United States. His stand against armed conflict has earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. Barack Obama is re-elected a second time in 2012 President of the United States. He leaves power in 2016 after two terms.