Concern for Slovenians living in the neighbouring countries and around the world is an integral and essential part of the Republic of Slovenia’s foreign policy. About half a million Slovenians and people of Slovenian descent who still acknowledge their Slovenian identity live outside Slovenia, which accounts for approximately one fifth of the Slovenian national body. A distinction is made between the autochthonous Slovenian population settled in the neighbouring countries (Slovenian national communities and/or minorities, called "zamejci") and Slovenians around the world; the latter comprise compatriots who emigrated from Slovenia either temporarily (workers abroad) or permanently (expatriates), and their descendants. Relations with Slovenians outside Slovenia are built through institutional integration, the strengthening of the Slovenian national communities in the neighbouring countries and around the world, and through financial assistance.