Was eritrea a colony or a protectorate and why?

Eritrea was primarily a colony, specifically under Italian colonial rule from the late 19th century until World War II. Italy established Eritrea as its first colony in Africa in 1890, exploiting its resources and implementing significant infrastructure projects. After the war, Eritrea was briefly administered by the British before being federated with Ethiopia in 1952, which ultimately led to Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea in 1962. While it experienced protectorate-like status during British administration (1941-1952), its primary classification remains that of a colony due to the nature of Italian control.