The Sicilian Mafia, or Cosa Nostra ("Our Thing"), is a powerful, secretive criminal organization originating in 19th-century Sicily. Rooted in local extortion and "protection" rackets, it evolved into an international syndicate involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and political corruption. Despite major anti-mafia efforts in Italy, it remains active today.  

Key Aspects of the Sicilian Mafia:  
Origins: Began in the 1800s as a form of local, often violent, territorial control and land protection. 
Structure: Composed of independent "families" or cosche. A commission, or Cupola, manages disputes and aligns efforts among families.  
Activities: The organization is known for extortion ("pizzo"), arms trafficking, government contract fraud, and high-level, international heroin trafficking. 
Omertà: The group operates under a strict code of silence known as omertà, which prohibits members from cooperating with authorities.  
International Influence: Expanded into the United States in the 20th century, influencing major cities and maintaining ties with American La Cosa Nostra.  
Conflicts: Infamous for violence against the state, including the 1992 assassinations of prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.  

Modern Situation.
While severely weakened by convictions in the 1980s and 1990s, the Cosa Nostra remains a force in Sicily. Modern activities involve exploiting pandemics for business takeovers, infiltrating renewable energy sectors, and collaborating with other criminal groups like the 'Ndrangheta.