From 1.2 to 1.5 practically everything has changed.

It is a more difficult game all around. Don't go rushing off looking for trade spots with out a good fleet.

Guard against sea invasions, especially in the early game. If you haven't played in a long time then don't start on Hard or Very Hard.

As to Sweden, I have not played them yet in 1.5 and no new guide has been written, the last I checked.