The United Kingdom has stunned the world by voting to leave the European Union.

The United Kingdom has stunned the world by voting to leave the European Union. And whilst supporters of the so-called "Brexit" are joyful, the result has been met with disbelief and trepidation in many parts of the world, and by many in the U-K itself. The question of what will now happen now looms over many aspects of world geopolitical and financial affairs - and the "leave" vote has already claimed its first victim, with British Prime Minister David Cameron announcing he'll step down later this year.

Prime Minister David Cameron outside 10 Downing Street, London, announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the EU Source: AAP