Taur Matan Ruak, son of António de Vasconcelos and Albertina Amaral was born near the town of Baguia in the region of Baucau in the mountainous far eastern end of Timor Leste. He is the eldest of eight children, five girls and three boys. In 1960 he moved to Dili as a young boy with his uncle. In 1963 he began his primary studies, finishing five years later, in 1968.