# Guntis Ulmanis

> Latvian politician (born 1939)

**Wikidata**: [Q60106](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60106)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guntis_Ulmanis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guntis-ulmanis

## Summary
Guntis Ulmanis is a Latvian politician, economist, and university teacher born in 1939. A citizen of both Latvia and the former Soviet Union, he is affiliated with the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. He has been recognized internationally with high honors, including the Royal Order of the Seraphim and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.

## Biography
- **Born:** September 13, 1939
- **Nationality:** Latvian, Soviet Union
- **Education:** University of Latvia
- **Known for:** Political leadership, economics, and university teaching
- **Employer(s):** University of Latvia, Riga Technical University
- **Field(s):** Politics, Economics, Education

## Contributions
Guntis Ulmanis has contributed to Latvian society through his professional roles as a politician, economist, and university teacher. His academic career includes teaching at the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. In the political sphere, he has served the Latvian government, holding citizenship during the transition from the Soviet era to the modern Republic of Latvia. His work has been acknowledged through the receipt of multiple state awards, signifying his impact on governance and international relations.

## FAQs
- **What is Guntis Ulmanis's profession?**
  He is a politician, economist, and university teacher.
- **Where was Guntis Ulmanis educated?**
  He received his education at the University of Latvia.
- **What awards has Guntis Ulmanis received?**
  He has been awarded the Royal Order of the Seraphim, the Knight of the Order of the Elephant, and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
- **What universities is Guntis Ulmanis associated with?**
  He is affiliated with the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
- **When was Guntis Ulmanis born?**
  He was born on September 13, 1939.

## Why They Matter
Guntis Ulmanis holds significance as a political figure in Latvia during a period of substantial historical transition, spanning the era of the Soviet Union through to the independence of the modern Latvian state. His dual career as an economist and educator highlights his role in shaping academic and economic discourse in the region. The conferral of prestigious international orders, such as the Royal Order of the Seraphim and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, underscores his diplomatic importance and the high regard in which he is held by other nations, including Sweden, Denmark, and France.

## Notable For
- **Political Career:** Served as a politician in Latvia.
- **Academic Roles:** Worked as a university teacher and economist.
- **International Honors:** Recipient of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (Sweden).
- **Danish Recognition:** Named a Knight of the Order of the Elephant.
- **French Award:** Received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
- **Citizenship:** Held citizenship in both Latvia and the Soviet Union.
- **Alumni:** Educated at the University of Latvia.
- **Alias:** Also known as Guntis Rumpītis.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Guntis Ulmanis was born on September 13, 1939. He pursued higher education at the University of Latvia, a public university located in Riga. The University of Latvia, established in 1919, is the country's largest university and a central hub for academic research and teaching. Ulmanis's educational background laid the foundation for his subsequent careers in economics and politics.

### Professional Career
Ulmanis's professional life spans the fields of economics, education, and politics. He has worked as an economist, applying his expertise to the financial and economic sectors. Additionally, he served as a university teacher, imparting knowledge to students at the tertiary level. His employment history includes significant affiliations with the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. Riga Technical University, founded in 1958 and headquartered in Riga, is another key educational institution in Latvia where Ulmanis contributed his expertise.

### Political Identity and Nationality
As a politician, Guntis Ulmanis is a citizen of Latvia, a sovereign state in northeastern Europe. Latvia, recognized as a country since November 18, 1918, is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. Ulmanis also holds citizenship in the Soviet Union, the former country that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. This dual citizenship places him within the historical context of Latvia's occupation and subsequent restoration of independence.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Guntis Ulmanis has received numerous awards that reflect his standing and service. These honors include:

*   **Royal Order of the Seraphim:** A Swedish order of chivalry established in 1748.
*   **Knight of the Order of the Elephant:** The only grade of this specific order, associated with Denmark (country code Q35).
*   **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour:** The fifth rank of the French Legion of Honour, a high distinction awarded by France.

These awards signify international recognition of his contributions to political and diplomatic relations between Latvia and other European nations.

### Affiliations and Context
Ulmanis's life and work are deeply connected to the institutions and history of Latvia. His association with the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University ties him to the country's educational infrastructure. Furthermore, his political activities occurred during a transformative period for Latvia, which saw the nation transition from Soviet rule to a democratic, market-oriented economy integrated into Western alliances. His recognition with awards from Sweden, Denmark, and France highlights Latvia's growing ties with Western Europe following the Cold War.

## References

1. [Saeima](http://titania.saeima.lv/Personal/Deputati/Saeima10_DepWeb_Public.nsf/0/43C15DBADEBDC5F0C22577BC0021B9F5/?OpenDocument&lang=EN)
2. [Source](http://kongehuset.dk/modtagere-af-danske-dekorationer)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Munzinger Personen
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Virtual International Authority File