The Mafia, also referred to in Italian as Cosa Nostra literally means 'Our thing'.
This is the name to the secret criminal organization, which evolved in Sicily during the mid 19th century. It went on to become one of the most famous organized crime groups in the world.

During the late 19th century waves of Italian immigrants arrived on the East coast of the United States. With them, came the Mafia. The 'Mafiosi' liked to think of themselves as Second Government in the United States and Italy.

In the mid 20th century, the Mafia were at the height of their power in the United States, until during the 1970s and 1980s the FBI launched a series of investigations into all kinds of illegal organized crime operations.

Although somewhat curtailed after this, the Mafia's image and reputation would remain as strong as ever. It became immortalized in American popular culture - it's been portrayed in big screen movies like the Godfather and TV shows like the Sopranos. It's even been used in product commercials like Goodfellas pizza

Today the Mafia are still as powerful as ever. The Italian Mafia still remain the most powerful criminal organization operating in the USA. They control the majority of Chicago and New York's criminal enterprises.

Back in Italy, it's more structured but even more corrupt. The Mafia in Sicily are almost part of the government itself, apparently having a strong influence over national legislature, but this has never been proven outright.