Study finds NT residents are the nation's happiest

Shaz Fielder believes the NT's warm weather and friendly people contribute to its high happiness levels. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)

A Flinders University survey has found Northern Territory residents are the happiest in the country, with 75.3 per cent reporting they are fairly, very or completely happy.

While the survey did not ask respondents why they were happy, the university's Tim Cavagnaro says time in nature and cultural diversity could be factors.

The NT fared less well on levels of optimism about the future, with only 23 per cent of respondents optimistic about the Territory's future direction.

Northern Territory residents are the happiest in the nation, according to a study from Flinders University.

The study is a product of a nation-wide survey, originally started by Flinders to understand Australians' biggest concerns, that received responses from more than 15,000 people across the country.

This year, the university expanded the survey to collect data about happiness and optimism.

The latest survey included questions on happiness levels for the first time, with NT respondents reporting the highest levels. (Source: Alex Guillaume/Unsplash)

The report found 75.3 per cent of Northern Territory respondents were fairly, very or completely happy.

Nationally, 69 per cent of people reported being happy. Victoria was the last-placed jurisdiction at 65.9 per cent.

The survey did not ask respondents the reasons for their happiness, but Flinders University Research Training and Capabilities Pro Vice-Chancellor Tim Cavagnaro said time in nature and cultural diversity could play a role in the NT's result.

Tim Cavagnaro says the NT stands out for its access to nature and richness of different cultures. (ABC News: Daniel Taylor)

"Certainly spending time in the natural environment is a really good way to set yourself up for a really happy day, so I think that's part of that," he said.

"I was recently in Darwin and that's something that struck me was certainly the diversity and the cultural richness in Darwin, and also the natural environment."

Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory chief executive David Ciaravolo said he believed Territorians' links to nature were a factor.

David Ciaravolo says getting out in nature is a huge part of life in the Northern Territory. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)

"I know it sounds a little funny, but it's been proven people who fish more often are more resilient and I reckon that connects pretty strongly to happiness," he said.

"I think it's pretty simple — the more you get out there the better adjus