Located in the Debub Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, on the road connecting Gondar and Bahir Dar, Addis Zemen has a latitude and longitude of 12°07′N 37°47′E / 12.117°N 37.783°E / 12.117; 37.783 and an elevation of 1975 meters above sea level.

Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, this town has an estimated total population of 24,849, of whom 12,245 were males and were 12,604 females.

Nearby landmarks include Mount Asiba and the monastery of St. Claudius, who lived during the reign of Emperor Gelawdeos.

The monastery possesses some impressive wall paintings and several illuminated manuscripts dating to the 18th century.

[2] The mother of Emperor Sarsa Dengel took refuge at Addis Zemen.