Mafia families are organized crime groups that operate in various regions, primarily in the United States and Italy. These families are structured hierarchically, with a boss at the top, followed by underbosses, capos, and soldiers. They engage in illegal activities such as extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking, often using violence to maintain control and enforce loyalty. Each mafia family typically has a specific territory and may form alliances with other families to strengthen their power. The Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, is one of the most well-known examples, while the American Mafia includes families like the Gambino and Genovese families.