List of state leaders in 581

This is a list of heads of state, government leaders, and other rulers in the year 581.

America

• Mayas - K'an B'alam I, Ruler of Palenque (572–583)

Asia

• Chalukya - Kirtivarman I, Chalukya ruler (566–597)
• China (Southern and Northern Dynasties) -
  • Chen Dynasty - Emperor Xuan, Emperor of Chen (569–582)
  • Northern Zhou Dynasty - Emperor Jing, Emperor of Northern Zhou (579–581)
  • Yang Jian deposes last Northern Zhou emperor, establishes Sui Dynasty. Western Liang, vassal to Northern Zhou, continues to be vassal of Sui.
  • Sui Dynasty - Emperor Wen (Yang Jian), Emperor of Sui (581–617)
    • Western Liang - Emperor Ming, Emperor of Western Liang (562–585)
• Japan (Asuka Period) - Bidatsu, Emperor of Japan (572–585)
• Korea (Three Kingdoms) -
  • Baekje - Wideok, King of Baekje (554–598)
  • Goguryeo - Pyeongwon, King of Goguryeo (559–590)
  • Silla - Jinpyeong, King of Silla (579–632)
• Turkic Khaganate

1. Taspar Khan, Khagan (572–581)
2. Ishbara Khan, Khagan (581–587)

• Tardu, Yabgu (576–603)

Europe

• Avars - Bayan I, Avar Khagan (562–602)
• Byzantine Empire - Tiberius II Constantine (578–582)
• England (Heptarchy)
  • Kingdom of East Anglia - Tytila of East Anglia (578–593)
  • Kingdom of Essex - Aescwine (527–587)
  • Kingdom of Kent - Aethelbert (564 or 580–616)
  • Northumbria
    • Bernicia - Frithuwald of Bernicia, King of Bernicia (579–585)
    • Deira - Aella, King of Deira (560–589)
  • Wessex - Ceawlin, King of Wessex (560–591)
• Franks
  • Austrasia - Childebert II of Austrasia, King of Austrasia (575–595)
  • Kingdom of Burgundy - Guntram (561–592)
  • Neustria - Chilperic I, King of Neustria (561–584)
• Lombard Kingdom - Rule of the Dukes, interregnum (574–584)
• Suebic Kingdom of Galicia - Miro (570–583)
• Scotland
  • Dál Riata - Áedán mac Gabráin, King of Dál Riata (559–608)
• Visigothic Kingdom - Liuvigild (568–586)