It is crucial to the country's political and administrative structure as several governmental organizations and diplomatic missions are situated there.

The Teinainano Urban Council (TUC), which is in charge of managing many facets of local government and community development, has administrative control over Bairiki.

The TUC is essential in preserving Bairiki's infrastructure and public services, assuring the welfare and prosperity of its residents.

It is joined to Betio by the Nippon Causeway, which opened in 1989, and is also joined to Naanekai by a causeway, forming part of a continuous road which links South Tarawa from Betio in the West to Bonriki International Airport in the East.

The village community of Bairiki lives in very crowded conditions, and rapid population growth is causing significant problems.