Vilnius, Lithuania 1900
It's difficult to really imagine how much the world has actually changed over the last 100 years or so.
Many of the world's most famous cities like Hong Kong and Dubai have changed ridiculous amounts over that time - WorldLifeStyle have put together 31 photos that show just how much change has occurred
Vilnius, Lithuania Now
Between1900 and now, Vilnius has sacrificed some interesting buildings for some lovely parks -- but also added some serious skyscrapers in the distance.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2000
Vilnius is classified as a Gamma global city according to GaWC studies, and is known for the architecture in its Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Now
It's actually hard to believe how much change has occurred in Dubai in just 16 years -- it's a place that's growing and expanding at such a rapid rate.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of hereditary absolute monarchies. It is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the seven emirs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates #2 2005
No wounder the country expanded so rapidly.
Speaking of Dubai, look what's occurred there over the last decade alone.
Singapore, Republic Of Singapore 2000
The rapid rate of development simply boggles the mind.
Singapore, Republic Of Singapore Now
Singapore basically couldn't look much different -- the amount of buildings that have gone up over the years is truly mind-blowing.
Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transport hub. Its standings include: the most "technology-ready" nation (WEF), top International-meetings city (UIA), city with "best investment potential" (BERI), second-most competitive country, third-largest foreign exchange market, third-largest financial center, third-largest oil refining and trading center, and the second-busiest container port.
Tokyo, Japan 1945
The country has also been identified as a tax haven.
After World War II, much of Japan was hurting. However, they made up for these dark times with a ton of development over the last half century.
Tokyo, Japan Now
It almost looks like a completely different city.
Tokyo is often referred to as a city, but is officially known and governed as a "metropolitan prefecture", which differs from and combines elements of a city and a prefecture, a characteristic unique to Tokyo.
Seoul, South Korea 1900
The Tokyo metropolitan government administers the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo (each governed as an individual city), which cover the area that was the City of Tokyo before it merged and became the metropolitan prefecture in 1943.
Seoul, South Korea Now
Seoul is seen as one of the pillars of rapid advancement and development -- the country was basically flattened during the Korean War, and it's only taken about 60 years to turn it into the booming technological metropolis that it is today.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 1970
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Now
The images of Abu Dhabi went from looking bleak and intimidating to presenting as a wonderful paradise -- especially if you happen to be rich.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping mega-centers such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls.
Shenzen, China 1964
Beneath white-marble domes, the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers and capacity for 41,000 worshipers.
China is constantly changing and growing, and one city that proves it is Shenzen.
Shenzen, China Now
These two photos look like they were taken in completely different universes, don't they?
Shenzhen, in southeastern China, is a modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland. It's known for its shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City, a massive mall with a vast array of wares, from tailors’ custom clothing to faux designer bags.
Sydney, Australia 1932
The city also features contemporary buildings, such as the 600m-tall skyscraper Ping An International Finance Center, and a number of amusement parks.
Sydney, Australia Now
Sydney looks incredibly different -- and a lot more crowded than it was before.
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 1930
Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Now
The Brazilian capital has always been beautiful, and minus the advances in photography (not to mention that iconic statue), it hasn't really changed that much.
Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns).
Athens, Greece 1862
Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.
Athens, Greece Now
The top photo of Athens was taken in 1862, which is truly a lifetime (or several) away from the state of the gorgeous city today.
Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire.
Fortaleza, Brazil 1975
The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. The Acropolis Museum, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewelry and more from Ancient Greece.
Fortaleza, Brazil Now
The city of Fortaleza has certainly expanded, but luckily the beautiful coastline and beaches still remain intact.
Fortaleza is the capital of the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceará. It's known for its beaches, which are punctuated by red cliffs, palm trees, dunes and lagoons.
Toronto, Canada 1930
Fortaleza’s long-standing folkloric traditions are presented in dance performances at the art nouveau José de Alencar Theater, open since 1910. Another architectural highlight is the neo-Gothic Catedral Metropolitana.
Toronto, Canada Now
Toronto was totally underdeveloped in the thirties, but the city has made up for it in rapid time over the last eighty years or so.
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It's a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic CN Tower.
Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.