Country life, hard work, warm weather called secrets to happiness

Australians are happier living in small towns rather than big cities, and men get more out of marriage than women, according to a landmark "happiness" survey of Australians conducted by the University of Melbourne.

The survey, released on Wednesday, also found that other causes of happiness and emotional well-being were good relationships with neighbors, working hard - as opposed to taking early retirement - and drinking the surprisingly large amount of 42 alcoholic beverages per week.

The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, a long-term annual study, polled almost 20,000 participants nationwide and was conducted by Melbourne University Associate Professor Roger Wilkins.