To understand the world, and to a large extent the behavior of nations, you need to look at a map — which is why Donald Trump is talking up Greenland.

The president-elect said he covets Greenland for its size. He could be misinterpreting it based on well-known mapping distortion.

"For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States," Trump wrote in a statement.