Qatar has a population of approximately 2 million people and is considered one of the most prosperous countries in the Arab world. Qatar is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Bahrain to the east and the United Arab Emirates to the north. The country has a coastline stretching for more than 600 kilometers and is surrounded by tropical mediterranean seas. The capital city is Doha. Qatar was originally settled by nomadic Qataris who migrated there from southern Iraq in the 18th century. The Gulf nation was an early supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood, and in 1971 it became the first country in the region to recognize Israel. Qatar has been ruled by descendants of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani since 1995. However, critics accuse Qatari leaders of being autocrats who have limited democracy in the country. In February 2014, Qatari authorities arrested dozens of activists and students who were protesting against social inequality.