However, the largest influx of Laotians immigrated to France following the Vietnam War and communist takeover of their homeland. France was an ideal destination for Laotian refugees who were educated or formed part of the elite and middle class in the home nation, while poorer refugees tended to emigrate to North America and Australia through the assistance of the American, Canadian and Australian governments. By the beginning of the 1980s, 25,000 Laotian refugees had arrived in France. Lao Buddhist temples and associations established by immigrants who had arrived in France prior to the refugee influx had an effect in helping these arrivals adjust to life in a new country and have served as vital cultural and community centers.