In the early post-war years, Latvians in refugee camps still hoped that their country would soon regain its independence and that their refugee status would be short-lived. These hopes were not fulfilled, and from 1947 onwards, Latvians from DP refugee camps emigrated to permanent settlement in host countries such as Belgium, England, the US, Canada, Australia, Argentina and elsewhere. Latvian communities gradually formed all over the world; they organised events, founded Latvian societies, churches, schools, choirs and dance groups, and made and wore Latvian folk costumes.