Why colonial control differed across Asia and Africa

Why were Asian colonies often less directly controlled than African colonies?

Distance, differences within Africa, and the way particular territories passed between European powers affected how directly they were governed.

Distance is the main explanation offered for differences in direct colonial control. France is described as trying to integrate nearby North African possessions into France itself, while British territories farther away followed different practical arrangements. British acquisitions from the Dutch and differences within Africa complicate a simple comparison between the two continents.