Annex vs Colony vs Protectorate vs Puppet

[GreenGoblin1898]

What are the differences between each of these options? In what situation is each appropriate?

[TheQuietColt]

Annex is okay if you can take the hit from culture/religious differences
Colony is better for regions with only one nationality/religion and is best for overseas areas.
Protectorate is basically the same as colony however it can research technologies increasing your empire score and has an added 5% government support modifier.
Puppets are self-governing states which reduces your micro management and act more like allies .Benefits of annexing include taxes, resources and manpower being directly owned you, however you will suffer from negative relations if there are claims on your regions.
The rest act as good buffer states without foreign claims affectiong you however a lot of micro management is required.

[GreenGoblin1898]

Is there any good reason to make a colony instead of a protectorate? All I can see are disadvantages.

[EpicD1CK]

Originally posted by GreenGoblin1898:

Is there any good reason to make a colony instead of a protectorate? All I can see are disadvantages.

There are, but it's neglegible. I suggest you do it for RP reasons instead.

[jose-manuel.asensio]

Other interest is resources, for example oil
It’s better to keep colony to have direct rule on that

[GreenGoblin1898]

Originally posted by jose-manuel.asensio:

Other interest is resources, for example oil
It’s better to keep colony to have direct rule on that

What exactly is the difference between "direct rule" and "indirect rule"?