The Solomon Islands became a British protectorate towards the end of the 19th century. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the Solomons, which were recaptured by the Allies only after fierce and deadly battles. Independence was declared in 1978 and the country has managed to do well economically as an exporter of copra, cocoa, palm oil, and lumber and particularly since it sold tuna fishing rights in its waters. MORE HISTORY