The last ten years things have change. Enthusiasts have started new microbreweries, and the legislation is easing up a bit. The conditionns for the smaller breweries are still tough, and many of them suffer from financial problems.

At the moment there are 4 brewpubs operating, which was impossible only a few years ago, and the number of microbreweries are around 15, producing a wide range of good beer. Sadly their beer are usually very hard to find, as Systembolaget (the alcohol monopoly), the only retailer, far too often does not carry their products.

For history and more info check out Ron Pattinson's site:
European Pub & Beer Guides - Swedish beer, an introduction.