I think it has to do with our individuality too. Almost too much. Also to distinguish one locality from the other. And there's always this very human, sly competition. The individualistic, multilingual Maltese have a cosmopolitan culture.
British ways are still evident and accepted in daily life.
But then again so is the influence by the neighbouring Italian culture, nowadays through tens of TV-channels. The land cannot be described as having plentiful Natural beauty. Yet, the arid countryside, beautiful architecture, clear blue seas, the warm sun and positive attitudes of the small nation living generally as one big family, have long inspired writers and artists of various arts. Many picture-books, some with very impressive photography have recently been published. They deal with different aspects of life on the small islands of Malta.