The first vote by Republican party supporters in the United States for their candidate to challenge Barack Obama in November's presidential election has ended with former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney just in the lead.
For most of the time vote counting was going on, Mr Romney was level-pegging with former senator Rick Santorum but the final result saw the former finish just eight votes ahead.
Texas congressman Ron Paul - a libertarian whose radical cause is enthusiastically taken up by younger voters - trailed them in third.
Texas governor Rick Perry, had to make do with fifth place, while other high-profile contenders - Newt Gringrich and Michele Bachmann - were also in the second tier of candidates.
The BBC reports that this is a good performance in Iowa for Mr Romney who was written off as a candidate only two months ago.
As a political moderate, he was never going to be comfortable in this socially conservative state and in fact did not bother to fight for voters until the last few weeks.
The contest now goes to New Hampshire where Mr Romney's organisation is strong and he has campaigned vigorously.
Mr Santorum - a social conservative - was also a surprise performer, having gone from no-hoper to front runner in a matter of weeks.
Mr Perry says, in the light of his poll result, he will be returning to his home state to "determine whether there is a path forward for myself in this race".
Mr Gingrich and Mrs Bachman say they will push on, despite their disappointing results in Iowa.
The Iowa caucus launches months of caucuses and primary elections in 50 states, Washington DC and other territories, culminating in the Republican National Convention in August where the party nominee will be formally anointed.
However, Iowa is not expected to settle the contest, although it will help shape the race for the White House, according to the BBC.
John McCain, the eventual Republican nominee in 2008, came fourth in the state's caucuses that year.
