List of state leaders in 479

Africa

Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans - Huneric, King of the Vandals and Alans (477–484)

China (Southern and Northern Dynasties) -
- Liu Song Dynasty - Emperor Shun, Emperor of Liu Song (477–479)
- Xiao Daocheng forces last Liu Song emperor to abdicate in his favour; founds Qi Dynasty.
- Southern Qi Dynasty - Emperor Gao (Xiao Daocheng), Emperor of Qi (479–482)
- Northern Wei Dynasty - Emperor Xiaowen, Emperor of Northern Wei (471–499)
Gupta Empire - Buddha Gupta, Gupta Emperor (477–496)
Japan (Kofun Era) - Emperor Yūryaku, Emperor of Japan (c.456-c.479)
Korea (Three Kingdoms) -
- Baekje -
  1. Samgeun, King of Baekje (477–479)
  2. Dongseong, King of Baekje (479–501)
- Goguryeo - Jangsu, King of Goguryeo (413–490)
- Silla -
  1. Jabi, King of Silla (458–479)
  2. Soji, King of Silla (479–500)
Pallava - Skanda Varman IV, King of Pallava (460–480)

Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy - Aelle, Bretwalda (c.477-c.514)
- South Saxons - Aelle, King of the South Saxons (c.477-c.514)
- Kingdom of Kent
  - Hengest (c. 455–488)
  - Horsa (c. 455–488)
Kingdom of Burgundy
- Gundobad (473–516)
- opposed by Chilperic I (443-c.480)
- and Gundomar, (473–486)
- and Godegisel, (473–500)
Byzantine Empire - Zeno (476–491)

Ireland - Lughaid mac Loeguire, High King of Ireland (479–503)
Italy - Odoacer, King of Italy (476–493)
Salian Franks - Childeric I, King of Salian Franks (457–481)
Visigothic Kingdom - Euric (466–484)
Western Roman Empire - Julius Nepos (474–480)