How would Iceland develop if it lay where the Azores are but was still settled by Vikings?
Short answerIt would be warmer and more populous, but more exposed to Iberian competition and less able to avoid permanent armed forces.
NotesIceland's historical location provides a useful hub for North Atlantic operations. Moving the island to the Azores would remove that hub and put its Viking settlers much closer to Portuguese and Spanish power. A longer growing season would probably support a larger population. Iceland might retain its parliament, but repeated invasion pressure makes the absence of standing armed forces unlikely. Even under Danish rule, the island would probably require a substantial permanent military presence.