
Travelers who've had the chance to experience Cuba first-hand often describe it as a country where time has stood still. Powdered blue 1956 Fords and canary yellow 1952 Chevrolets may line the streets today, but for Cubans living on the island the passage of time has not gone unnoticed.
In a major development for two countries whose relationship has yet to thaw since the Cold War, President Barack Obama announced historic economic and political changes in U.S.-Cuba policies following the release of American Alan Gross.
"We will end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests, and instead we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries," Obama said Wednesday.
Some of the most notable changes in policy include the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Havana, a loosening of the travel ban for Americans and allowing U.S. travelers to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba. During his speech, Obama also said he was willing to work with Congress to lift the 1960 embargo, which for decades has been viewed as outdated and ineffective by critics and politicians like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
But these moves by the United States toward normalizing relations tell only one side of a story about two countries. Cuba itself has undergone major political and economic changes since the end of the Cold War.
Here are 10 ways Cuba has changed since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.


Under Raúl, Cuba has liberalized its economic and political system with major reforms that nevertheless keep the communist framework intact.

Sánchez and other bloggers are reviled by the Castro government, which views the bloggers as agents of U.S. imperialism -- a charge the bloggers deny.

Four years after falling ill and giving up his official duties, Fidel Castro admitted he was wrong to prosecute members of the LGBT community. Since then public attitudes have changed and the government has banned workplace discrimination and approved sex-change operations. Same-sex marriage, however, has yet to be legalized.

By Sept. 2013 over 430,000 private employment licenses had been issued, according to the Associated Press. The Cuban government decided to expand 18 new categories of independent employment, including real estate agents. By the end of 2013, Cuba also announced easier terms of lending for private business owners to help small businesses grow.


The decree carves out exemptions for "national security" reasons, leading some to speculate that dissidents may in some cases be denied the ability to leave the country. Doctors, scientists, athletes, military personnel could also be denied travel due to being considered key contributors, according to the Associated Press.


Experts say the move was symbolic of improving relations between the Cuban government and the Vatican, AP reports.

"[He] speaks to the social reality of our country with humor. He doesn't cover things up. He makes us think, and I hope he makes the people in power in this country think, too," teacher Yahima Morales told AP after a show by comedian Luis Silva, pictured here.
Ana Maria Benedetti and Roque Planas contributed to this piece.