The Song Dynasty is a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeds the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and is followed by the Yuan Dynasty.

It wis the first government in world history to nationally issue banknotes or true paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy.

This dynasty also sees the first known use of gunpowder, as well as the first discernment of true north using a compass.The Song Dynasty is divided into two distinct periods: the Northern Song and Southern Song.

During the Northern Song (960–1127), the Song capital is in the northern city of Beijing (now Kaifeng) and the dynasty controls most of inner China.

The population of China doubles in size during the 10th and 11th centuries.

This growth comes through expanded rice cultivation in central and southern China, the use of early-ripening rice from southeast and southern Asia, and the production of abundant food surpluses.

The Northern Song census records a population of roughly 50 million, much like the Han and Tang dynasties.

This data is found in the Standard Histories.

However, it is estimated that the Northern Song had a population of some 100 million people.Social life during the Song is vibrant; social elites gather to view and trade precious artworks, the populace intermingles at public festivals and private clubs, and cities have lively entertainment quarters.

The spread of literature and knowledge is enhanced by the earlier invention of woodblock printing and the 11th-century invention of movable type printing.

Pre-modern technology, science, philosophy, mathematics, engineering, and other intellectual pursuits flourish over the course of the Song.