From 1900 until 1945, Sarigan had a Chamorro population that worked on copra production.

All other islands are uninhabited and are used only for copra production, picnics, and food gathering.

Despite a weather-related drop in copra production, private sector activity appears to have picked up, especially in retail.

In no time, it took on some of the cargo cult traits, up until 1950, after which it returned to its original purpose, copra production.

The rate of copra production reached twelve thousand tons per year by the 1920s, and had an export value of two million yen.

The islands are covered with coconut palms, the source of the other main economic activity: copra production.

If the Chagossians return, they plan to re-establish copra production and fishing, and to begin the commercial development of the islands for tourism.

The coconut palm, which forms the basis for copra production, is of special economic importance.

Other sources of income are copra production, and remittances from relatives working in South Tarawa, as crew on international vessels, or overseas.

The inhabitants are also involved in copra production.