Britain's decision to leave the European Unionprompted Prime Minister David Cameron to resignand markets to fall around the world.Final results in Thursday's historic referendumgave the "Leave" campaign 52 percent, while "Remain" took 48 percent.Voter turnout was reported high across Britain,even with heavy rain falling in many areas.The outcome shocked many within Britain and across the worldsince recent opinion polls showed a growing lead for "Remain."UK Independent Party Leader Nigel Faragewas the most vocal voice in the anti-EU movement.He said the "Leave" win was "our independence day."He called the results "a victory for real people,a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people."The close vote showed how deeply divided Britons areon issues of immigration and sovereigntythat became the focus of the "Leave" campaign.Prime Minister Cameron addressed that divideoutside the official residence at 10 Downing Street Friday morning."The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path,and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction."The Conservative Party prime minister said he planned to leave office by October.Cameron campaigned for continued EU membership.He said an exit would lead to disastrous consequencesfor Britain's economy and national security.The "Leave" campaign focused on what it viewsas uncontrolled immigration to Britain.It argued that Britain cannot effectively regulatethe number of immigrants because of current EU rules.The movement believes the Brussels-based EU imposes too many regulations in Britain.It also argued that EU leaders are not accountableto the British government or its citizens.British media reported the leading contender to replace Cameronis former London mayor Boris Johnson.He is a Conservative member who served as leader of the "Leave" campaign.On Friday, Johnson complimented Cameronfor showing "bravery" for calling the referendum."I think that the electorate have searched in their heartsand answered as honestly as they can."He added: "This does not mean the United Kingdomwill be any way less united (or) any less European.We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we are part of Europe."Top EU leaders said in a statementthat Britain will officially remain a memberuntil its exit negotiations are completed, probably in about two years.European Parliament President Martin Schulz told ITV Newshe "very much" regretted Britian's decision to leave the EU.But he added: "We must respect that and not speak about a crisisbecause we are well prepared."Schulz said the parliament will hold an emergency session Tuesdayto look at next steps.Britain's European neighbors also expressed regret at the resultsand some called for changes in the EU to prevent other countries from leaving.German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Europenot to draw any "quick and simple conclusions" that might create more division.French President Francois Hollande said,"To move forward, Europe cannot act as before."In Italy, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentilonisaid Britain's decision should be seen as a "wakeup" call to the rest of the EU.Analysts say the decision to quit the EU after four decadesmeans Britain faces many uncertaintiesand will have to start building new trade relationships with the rest of Europe.The British vote caused turmoil in financial markets around the world.Stocks went down in Europe, Asia and the United States.The British pound also fell to its lowest level since 1985.Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said there would be"a period of uncertainty and adjustment" after the result.But he added that Britain had planned for the possibility and is "well prepared."He said there would not be any immediate change in the way people travelor how goods and services can be sold.In other EU countries, political parties that favor immigration restrictionswere quick to congratulate Britain.Many also called for holding similar referendums in their own countries.The leader of France's far-right National Front party,Marine Le Pen, called the vote a victory for liberty.She said she believes a similar referendum in France is a "democratic necessity."Le Pen also said she plans to meet with other pro-independence movementsin the European Parliament soon to discuss their next moves after Britain's decision.Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilderscalled for a referendum on EU membership in the Netherlands.Wilders is currently leading in opinion polls in the race for prime minister to be held next March."It is time for a new start,relying on our own strength and sovereignty.Also in the Netherlands," he said.The leader of Italy's anti-immigration Northern League tweeted:"Hurrah for the courage of free citizens!Heart, brain and pride defeated lies, threats and blackmail."In Germany, Beatrix von Storch of Germany's rightwing populist party AfD,praised "Independence Day for Great Britain."She said the EU "has failed as a political union."