The UK has voted by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union after 43 years in an historic referendum.
London and Scotland voted strongly to stay in the EU but the remain vote has been undermined by poor results in the north of England.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed the result as the UK's "independence day."
The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 as the markets reacted to the results.
The value of the British pound plummeted as financial markets absorbed the news that Britain voted to leave the E.U. https://t.co/lx76UahP6R
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 24, 2016
HOW AGES VOTED
(YouGov poll)
18-24: 75% Remain
25-49: 56% Remain
50-64: 44% Remain
65+: 39% Remain#EUref
— Ben Riley-Smith (@benrileysmith) June 23, 2016
Wales: Leave
England: Leave
Scotland: Remain
Northern Ireland: Remain
What now for “United Kingdom"? #EUref
— Ben Riley-Smith (@benrileysmith) June 24, 2016
What happens now? The BBC reports the country has two years to negotiate an exit. Members of parliament could block the exit, but that seems unlikely.
Read Charles on the Brexit a couple of days ago here.
Follow live updates online here. Stream BBC radio here.
MANY Brits I spoke with about #brexit said "Nah, won't happen." Americans not registered to vote, take note: surprises around every corner
— Patrice Howard (@PatriceReports) June 24, 2016
And, since we were all waiting for the Washington State Republican Party to weigh in:
The world is beginning to right itself. Britain first. America will follow. #Brexit
— Washington State GOP (@WAGOP) June 24, 2016